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Cartoon, Italian light infantryman with Austrian eagle, WW1
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Cartoon, Italian light infantryman with Austrian eagle, WW1
French cartoon of an Italian light infantryman (Bersaglieri) during the First World War. He is holding an Austrian eagle upside down so that its imperial crown falls off, and is holding back a fierce she-wolf representing Rome (SPQR). Date: 1914-1918
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Media ID 14120686
© Robert Hunt Library/Mary Evans
Austria Austrian Bersaglieri Eagle Enemy Falling Feathers Fierce Infantry Infantryman Satire Satirical Upside Wild Wolf Allusion Spqr
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This cartoon print, hailing from the tumultuous era of the First World War, presents an intriguing juxtaposition of Italian defiance and Roman symbolism. The central figure is an Italian Bersagliere, a light infantryman known for their distinctive hats adorned with black and gold feathers. With a determined expression, he holds an Austrian eagle upside down, causing its imperial crown to fall off. This bold act symbolizes the Italian resistance against the Austrian Empire's dominance. The fierce she-wolf, a classical allusion to the ancient Roman Empire and its legendary protector, Rome (SPQR), stands behind the Bersagliere, adding an extra layer of historical significance. The she-wolf's wild eyes and bared teeth convey the raw intensity of the Italian spirit and its unyielding determination to defend its territory. This satirical image, created between 1914 and 1918, reflects the tensions and complexities of the First World War, as Italy navigated its alliance with the Allies against the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The use of symbolism in this cartoon not only highlights the Italian struggle for independence but also underscores the larger historical context of the time, making it a fascinating piece of wartime art and a testament to the power of satire in conveying political messages.
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