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, her sword broken in her hand: Germania, personification of Germany, defeated and subjugated.

Facing her, standing majestically, 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.

Beside him, 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 silhouette of a woman in mourning represents the city of Paris, wounded but resilient.

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

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

This 22 x 32 cm ink drawing, in perfect condition and framed (63x73 cm), falls within the symbolist and propagandist vein of French production during wartime.

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

A rare work, rich in meaning, for lovers of patriotic art, republican symbolism or 14–18 iconographic militaria.

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

Date: 1915.

Technique : Original ink on paper. Unique piece.

Size (excluding frame): 22 x 32 cm.

Frame size: 63 x 73 cm.

Signature: Signed at the bottom right.

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

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