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The "Land & Water" edition of Raemaekers' cartoons, volume 1 cover

The "Land & Water" edition of Raemaekers' cartoons, volume 1

Chapter 51: The Future
By Louis Raemaekers
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ArtHistory - Modern (1750+)History - Warfare

About This Book

A collection of forceful wartime cartoons and accompanying editorial material that confronts militarism and records the brutal consequences of the Great War. The images pair stark, often religiously inflected symbolism with biting satire to portray atrocities, refugees, prisoners, naval and aerial warfare, propaganda, and political hypocrisy; captions and introductory essays present the artist as a moral witness. Arranged as topical plates, the drawings mix direct visual accusation and allegory to stir public sentiment, chronicle civilian suffering, and expose diplomatic and military tensions.

The Future

There can be no doubting of the future. The Allied forces, who in Raemaekers’ drawing stand for Liberty, are assuredly destined to wring the neck of the Prussian eagle, which typifies the tyranny of brute force.

“For freedom’s battle, once begun ...
Though baffled oft, is ever won.”

“There is only one master in this country,” the Kaiser has said of Germany. “I am he, and I will not tolerate another.” He has also told his people: “There is only one law—my law; the law which I myself lay down.” It is supererogatory to dispute either of these imperial pronouncements. The Future contents herself with the comment: “Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee.”

The Kaiser and his counsellors have now translated words into deeds, and every instrument of savagery has been since August, 1914, enlisted by Tyranny in the attempt to overthrow Liberty. “A thousand years ago,” the Kaiser once declared to his Army, “the Huns under their king Attila made themselves a name which still lives in tradition.” The Future replies to him that he and his fighting hordes will also live in tradition. They will be remembered for their defiance of the conscience of the world, which obeys no call but that of Liberty.

SIDNEY LEE

L’AVENIR