| Accession Number | AWM2018.530.1 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Sheet: 40 x 57 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | pen and ink on paper |
| Maker |
Lindsay, Norman |
| Place made | Australia: New South Wales, Sydney |
| Date made | 1918 |
| Conflict |
Pre 19th century First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright |
His Day
Description
This drawing, published in 'The Bulletin' 10 days after the Armistice on November 21, 1918, is a satirical comment on the homecoming and return to civilian life for Australian servicemen following Armistice. A well-dressed man celebrates the end of the war; his arm is slung around the neck of a woman. A feather in his top hat reads the word 'eligible' suggesting he was medically fit to enlist. Two injured Australian servicemen watch on and their comments, summerised in the caption 'Oh well, let the poor devil enjoy his victory we helped to win for him' suggests that servicemen sacrificed their minds and bodies to defend the rich, entitled and political men that this well-dressed man represents.
Norman Alfred William Lindsay (1879 – 1969) was a highly accomplished artist, author and cartoonist, from the early twentieth century. Joining Sydney’s The Bulletin in 1901, he worked as a political cartoonist for over 50 years from 1901-1901, 1910-1923 and 1932-1958.