Original ink 1915 Adrien Meria – Germania defeated – French Republic

This exceptional work, created in ink in 1915 and signed by Adrien Meria (pseudonym of Jean Rémi Machaux, 1878–1962), condenses the French patriotic imagination of the First World War through a powerful visual allegory.

In the foreground, a helmeted woman lies on the ground, a broken sword in her hand: Germania, personification of Germany, defeated and subdued.

Facing her, standing majestic, is a helmeted female figure – an allegory of the Fatherland or Marianne – throwing her sword towards the enemy on the ground as a sign of peace.

At his side, a seated woman, the French Republic, watches over a naked child holding a hammer, representing the reconstruction of the nation.

In the background, the crouching figure of a grieving woman represents the city of Paris, bruised but resilient.

Around her, a scene rich in symbols: a Gallic rooster, proud and vigilant, a shield with the republican arms.

The horizon, made of ruins and corpses, recalls the horror of the conflict while exalting the moral resistance of France.

This 22 x 32 cm ink, in perfect condition and framed (63x73 cm), is part of the symbolist and propaganda vein of French production in times of war.

It perfectly illustrates the vision of Meria, a multi-talented artist: press cartoonist, caricaturist, painter and screenwriter, known for his contributions to magazines such as Le Rire, L'Assiette au Beurre and La Gifle.

A rare work, rich in meaning, for lovers of patriotic art, republican symbolism or iconographic militaria from the 1914–1918 period.

Artist: Adrien Meria (Jean Rémi Machaux, 1878–1962).

Date: 1915.

Technique : Original ink on paper. Unique piece.

Format (without frame): 22 x 32 cm.

Frame size: 63 x 73 cm.

Signature: Signed lower right.

Subject: Allegory of French victory – Surrender of Germania – French Republic.

Visible symbols: Gallic rooster, broken sword, republican shield, mourning woman (Paris).