Home > Arts > Artists > Fortunino Matania
Sphere cover - Germans leave French village, 1918
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Sphere cover - Germans leave French village, 1918
Ruckwarts (meaning backward-going) - the Long March of Grey Uniforms towards the Rhine. A scene drawn by The Sphere special artist Fortunino Matania, showing German soldiers leaving a French village after four years of occupation, while the French inhabitants watch their departure silently but scornfully. Among them are a gaunt old man, a girl, an old woman making the sign of the Cross in thankfulness for her deliverance from German rule and a small boy with a wooden gun - young France in judgment on the ancient foe. Date: 1918
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14167206
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Backward Civilians Days Departure Fortunino Germans Hundred Inhabitants Leave Leaving Matania Occupation Retreat Retreating Sphere Villagers
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> Fortunino Matania
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Civilians during the war
> Historic
> World War I and II
> Soldiers
> Popular Themes
> Fortunino Matania
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image, titled "Ruckwarts: The Long March of Grey Uniforms towards the Rhine," was drawn by renowned special artist Fortunino Matania for The Sphere magazine in 1918. The scene depicts the departure of German soldiers from a French village after four long years of occupation during World War I. The villagers, represented by a gaunt old man, a girl, an old woman, and a small boy with a wooden gun, watch the soldiers' retreat with a mixture of relief and scorn. The old woman makes the sign of the Cross in gratitude for their deliverance from German rule. The title "Ruckwarts" translates to "backward" in English, symbolizing the Germans' departure from the occupied lands. The image captures the historical significance of the 100 Days Campaign, a series of battles fought between August and November 1918, which led to the end of the war and the expulsion of the German army from France. This poignant illustration offers a glimpse into the emotional aftermath of the war and the determination of the French people to reclaim their land and their lives.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
