Charles Ricketts: Italia Redenta

Italy's winged figure confronts Austria-Hungary's double-headed eagle, while below, captive figures await their redemption. Italy joined the war in 1915 on the side of Britain, France, and Russia, shifting from its previous allegiance to Germany and Austria-Hungary. Charles Ricketts, born in Geneva to an English father and French mother, spent his youth in France and Italy before moving to England in 1882 to study at the Lambeth School of Art. This artwork is part of the Ministry of Information's 1917 series, "The Great War: Britain's Efforts and Ideals," offering insights into Britain's war objectives and activities.

Ricketts’s "Italia Redenta" refers to Italy’s decision to join the war on the Allied side in 1915, after having begun it as neutral. The winged figure of Italia rises above other shackled, cowering figures, representing other neutral countries such as Spain and Switzerland. F. E. Jackson’s "United Against Aggression (England and France, 1914)" demonstrates how "England" was used interchangeably with "Britain" at the time – it would also have been more appealing to a US audience, presenting England as a small country that needed assistance, rather than a global power with an empire. England and France are represented as regal and genteel, batting away the hostile German eagle.

Dimensions:  L 67cm x W 51cm

- Blind embossed stamp of British/royal coat of arms
- Includes a certificate of authenticity
- Print delivered flat
- Discounts cannot be applied to Efforts and Ideals lithographs
- Available for sale instore and online

  Other 'Ideals' in this series available for sale at IWM:

• - George Clausen: The Reconstruction Of Belgium
• - Edmund Dulac: Poland A Nation
• - Moria: Greiffenhagen The Restoration Of Alsace-Lorraine
• - Augustus John: The Dawn
• - Gerald Moira: The Restoration Of Serbia
• - William Nicholson: The End Of War
• - William Rothenstein: The Triumph Of Democracy
• - Charles Shannon: The Rebirth Of The Arts
• - Edmund Sullivan: The Reign Of Justice