Their 'law' and the Lusitania

Place Europe: Germany
Accession Number ART02257
Collection type Art
Measurement sheet: 62.8 x 50.9 cm; image: 60.4 x 50.9 cm
Object type Work on paper
Physical description pen, brush and ink, pencil on paper
Place made United Kingdom: England, Greater London, London
Date made 1916
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

Depicts a caricature of Kaiser Wilhelm, with the figure of a horned and cloven hoofed beast (possibly the Devil), standing in front of the figure of the United States President Woodrow Wilson, seated at a desk. In his hand he holds a piece of paper with the word 'Lusitania' on it. This cartoon was published in the 'Daily Sketch', London, 8 February 1916 with the following caption; Germany refuses to admit to USA that the Lusitania action was illegal. Germany to President Wilson: "Perfectly legal and according to law. I've brought the framer of the law along to prove it!" . Dyson's distinctive biting satire aimed at war and directed at Kaiser Wilhelm prompted his works to be seen as epitomising the prevalent anti-German sentiment. His series of caricatures published in 1915 characterised his response to Germany's military monarchy and used a figure based loosely on the Kaiser, attacking it with vigour. Will Dyson was the first Australian official war artist to visit the front during the First World War, travelling to France in December 1916, remaining there until May 1917, making records of the Australian involvement in the war. He was formally appointed as an official war artist, attached to the AIF, in May 1917, working in France and London throughout the war. His commission was terminated in March 1920.