|
Date: |
|
Description: | design : Death, in the form of a skeleton, leading, from right to left, a column of German infantrymen wearing steel
helmets and carrying full kit
exergue : "TOTENTANZ 1914-1917" (incused)
In this First World War medal, the German sculptor Ludwig Gies' response to the theme of the 'Dance of Death', it is
likely the artist produced his most famous and enduring image. The acquiescent and anonymous ranks of German infantry are led by Death to
their destiny, the reality of suffering and annihilation on the battlefront. In his clear identification and expression of what war means
for the conscripted masses of the modern industrial age Gies' powerful and disturbing image has continuing and universal appeal. The text
in the exergue is translated as 'The dance of death 1914-1917'. | Publisher: | http://www.iwm.org.uk | Subjects: | Death First World War & 1914 = 1917 satirical DE.A | Source: | Imperial War Museum | Creator: | Gies, Ludwig | Identifier: | http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/o... | Go to resource |
|
|