The Freedom of the Ceasar

Depicts the figure of Julius Ceasar, emperor (in the guise of a German officer) standing on top of a dais, surveying the scene before him of the sinking and bombing of a ship and the drowning of a number of people. This cartoon was published in the journal 'Land & Water', London, 20 November 1915, p.7. 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.