German Judge and Jury

Depicts an elderly judge, wearing his robes and wig, with the German eagle resting on his head, holding a piece of crumpled paper in his hand. Opposite him is a German officer, in uniform, wearing a helmet, holding an erect sword which has blood dripping down it. Below him is the jury, all men, weeping and wailing. This cartoon may also be titled 'Germany's change of tune' and have been published in the 'Daily Sketch' in April 1916. A number of Dyson's caricatures were published in 1915 and are characterised by his response to Germany's military monarchy. Using a figure loosely based on the Kaiser, Dyson identified the 'common enemy' and attacked 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.