British Punch magazine -- from 1841 to 2002, the magazine cast a satirical eye on life in Britain. It charted the interests, concerns and frustrations of the country and today it stands as an invaluable resource not just as cartoon art and satire, but as primary source material for historians.

Illustrator: Bernard Partridge (1861-1945 prolific cartoonist and English illustrator; master of propaganda cartoons), from British Punch humor/satire magazine, February 10, 1915, pulled from the magazine, not a modern reproduction. Size 8 x 10 1/2 inches. Condition: excellent -- bright and clean, no handling wear, lays flat for easy framing; backside is blank. 

THE AWAKENING:

Prince von Bulow [of Germany] (to Italy) “Stop, stop, Signora! You’re supposed to be mesmerized not mobilized!”

--When World War I began in July 1914, Italy was a partner in the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary, but decided to remain neutral. However, a strong sentiment existed within the general population and political factions to go to war against Austria-Hungary, Italy’s historical enemy.

--Annexing territory along the two countries’ frontier stretching from the Trentino region in the Alps eastward to Trieste at the northern end of the Adriatic Sea was a primary goal and would “liberate” Italian speaking populations from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, while uniting them with their cultural homeland. During the immediate pre-war years, Italy started aligning itself closer to the Entente powers, France and Great Britain, for military and economic support.

--On April 26, 1915, Italy negotiated the secret Pact of London by which Great Britain and France promised to support Italy annexing the frontier lands in return for entering the war on the Entente side. On May 3, Italy resigned from the Triple Alliance and later declared war against Austria-Hungary at midnight on May 23.

I have other hard-to-find original Punch cartoon illustrations for sale. Combine orders with no extra shipping fees.

Punch, a magazine of humor and satire, ran from 1841-2002. A very British institution renowned internationally for its wit and irreverence, it helped to coin the term "cartoon" in its modern sense as a humorous illustration.

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