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Hansi the caricaturist in French trenches, WW1
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Hansi the caricaturist in French trenches, WW1
Jean-Jacques Waltz (23 February 1873, Colmar - 10 June 1951), also known as " Oncle Hansi", or simply " Hansi" (" little John" ) French artist of Alsatian origin pictured in a French trench in 1915. He was a staunch pro-French activist, and is famous for his cute drawings, some of which contain harsh critiques of the Germans of the time. He was also a French hero of both the First and the Second World Wars. At the outbreak of war, he was imprisoned for his caricatures of German soldiers and policement. After escaping to France, he served with the Allies as an interpreter.
1915
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Media ID 14143113
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Alsatian Caricaturist Caricaturists Jacques Trench Trenches Waltz Hansi Oncle
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures Hansi, the renowned French caricaturist Jean-Jacques Waltz, also known as "Oncle Hansi" or simply "Hansi," in a French trench during World War I. Born in Colmar, Alsace, on February 23, 1873, Hansi was a passionate pro-French activist and a master of cute, yet biting, caricatures. His works, which often contained harsh critiques of the Germans of the time, earned him both admiration and controversy. When war broke out in 1914, Hansi's caricatures of German soldiers and policemen led to his imprisonment. Undeterred, he managed to escape to France and joined the Allied forces as an interpreter. In this photo, taken in 1915, Hansi is seen in the midst of the Western Front's harsh reality, his artistic talent undiminished even in the face of war. Hansi's Alsatian origin added a unique perspective to his work, as he straddled the cultural divide between France and Germany. His caricatures served as a reflection of the times, offering a glimpse into the complexities of the war and the human experience. Hansi's contributions extended beyond the battlefield, as he continued to create art that both entertained and provoked thought long after the guns fell silent. This poignant portrait of Hansi in the trenches serves as a testament to his unwavering spirit and his ability to find inspiration in the most unlikely of places. A true French hero of both the First and Second World Wars, Hansi's legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of art to capture the essence of history and the human condition.
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