Carte Symbolique De L'Europe

French caricature map of Europe at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914. Drawn by B. Crété and published by Editions-G.D. in Paris.



This map is derived from an earlier Russian map drawn by the Polish artist Vladislav Levinsky in Warsaw. By portraying the Tsar as a powerful, liberating figure, Levinsky was able to obtain the approval of the Russian censors and get his work published. Tsar Nicholas stands triumphant at the head of his marching armies, casually prodding the Prussian bull with his sword, a suggestion that the war would be won with no effort whatsoever.



In the Balkans Russia's allies Serbia and Montenegro surge forward victoriously into Austria-Hungary which is depicted as a barren wasteland surrounding the fallen Habsburg crown.



France is represented in the form of Marianne, the lady of liberty, charging forward on an angry Gallic cockerel and poking the charging Prussian bull in the forehead. The figure of Britain meanwhile looks on from his battleship steaming at full speed towards Europe with Ireland in tow.



Italy, still a neutral power in 1914, strums his guitar and looks on slyly having refused Germany's call to arms at the beginning of the war. Portugal and Spain, neutral powers, watch the action from the sidelines, as do the Scandinavians.



Printed colour. [EUR1440]