This French New Year postcard from the World War I era is dated 1915. The woman wearing a red Phrygian cap is dressed as either Marianne or Liberty (apparently the distinction is not always clear), patriotic symbols of the French Republic. Two French soldiers pose ready to charge with swords, while a German soldier plays dead on the ground.
The caption is as follows:
L'ennemi vient dans un éclair
Chargez, soldats, et sabre au clair!
The enemy comes in a flash
Charge, soldiers, and with drawn swords!
Visit Sepia Saturday
For More Vintage Images
16 comments:
Vive la France!!
I suppose it was still relatively early on and there was still a belief in national glory and victory. Time would grind everyone's hopes and expectations into the mud of Flanders.
Gee, that's a cheerful New Year's sentiment!
Was the post card actually sent to someone or is it a souvenier type card? I wonder if now anyone would dream of sending a greeting with photos of soldiers in Afghanistan? How times change. Happy New Year!
I so agree with Tony - Viva la France! A perfect design on the post care, the red color is as cheerful as they are. Very nice! I had to smile too when I read your comment about seeing Mary's (Mpls.)statue often. Me too!
I found quite a few rousing US posters from WW1.
Following on from Alan's depressing lead, those sabres wouldn't do much good against an artillery barrage. No doubt these postcards served the recruiters well.
I can't see war as a suitable new year greeting at any time. If only they had known what was to come.
Such a fascinating card when you delve behind the first impression of New Year Wishes and celebration of patriotism.
Very interesting card. I love the colors ... the theme is kind of foreign to me for a postcard though.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
Kathy M.
Oh, wouldn't you liked to have been there when this shoot took place? I can imagine a lot of laughter as they each took their poses, especially the poor fellow chosen to play dead.
French postcards often have this extravagant theatrical even operatic quality. For the French the new year of 1915 brought so many new wartime emotions, the usual celebrations must have felt wrong.
I had the same thought about the fellow playing dead. Interesting postcard to be sure.
Bonne Année a vous également!!
:)~
HUGZ
Interesting post card, and interesting translation. I only know the edible eclairs, and wouldn't be charging off to war if THEY were anywhere to be seen!
Kat
It is indeed an interesting card, rather theatrical and I love the muted colors.
Post a Comment