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As the Artist Might have Drawn it by H. L. Oakley
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As the Artist Might have Drawn it by H. L. Oakley
Silhouettes by Captain H. L. Oakley, showing two opposing views of the Great War - as the artist might have drawn it, and how the censor would certainly prefer it. The artist sees a patrol uncomfortably crawling through the mud on their bellies in contrast to an optimistic charge by British soldiers. Staff at GHQ are seen lounging in armchairs enjoying drinks and smoking cigars as opposed to pouring over maps, and while the artist depicts an issue of rum, the censor prefers Tommies to be seen drinking tea in the trenches. Date: 1919
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Media ID 14137069
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Attack Brazier Censor Censorship Charge Oakley Opposing Patrol Silhouettes Staff Trench 1919 Officers
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As the Artist Might Have Drawn It: A Stark Contrast of Reality and Perception during the Great War, as Depicted by Captain H.L. Oakley's Silhouettes In this intriguing comparison of two contrasting views of the Great War, British artist and Captain H.L. Oakley masterfully illustrates the stark divide between the harsh realities of the battlefield and the optimistic perceptions held by those in command at General Headquarters (GHQ). In 'As the Artist Might Have Drawn It,' Oakley presents a poignant and raw depiction of the Western Front, where British soldiers are seen crawling through the mud on their bellies, their silhouettes starkly contrasting against the backdrop of a smoldering brazier. The scene is a far cry from the idealized charges and attacks that were often portrayed in official communications. In sharp contrast, Oakley's 'How the Censor Would Certainly Prefer It' presents a very different image. Here, staff at GHQ are seen lounging in comfortable armchairs, enjoying drinks and cigars, their silhouettes relaxed and carefree. The soldiers in this scene are depicted drinking tea, a far cry from the issue of rum that Oakley portrays in the first silhouette. These contrasting scenes offer a fascinating glimpse into the disparity between the harsh realities of the frontline and the often-rosy perceptions held by those in command. Oakley's skillful use of silhouettes adds an additional layer of intrigue, as the viewer is left to ponder the true nature of the Great War and the role of perception in shaping our understanding of history. This evocative print, created in 1919, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of war and the importance of accurately recording history. These silhouettes offer a unique perspective on the Great War, inviting us to reflect on the role of art in shaping our understanding of history and the importance of acknowledging the complexities and contradictions that often lie beneath the surface.
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