Dearth Collection

Mary Casson - Sir Gerald du Maurier in Barries Dear Brutus
J. M. Barries fantasy, Dear Brutus - 1929 performance - Mary Casson (1914-2009) in the role of Margaret, about to have her portrait painted by Sir Gerald du Maurier (1873-1934)

Crowd of hungry women at the door of a bakery during the French Revolution of 1789
NWI4836172 Crowd of hungry women at the door of a bakery during the French Revolution of 1789. Colourful engraving of the 19th century

War of Religions: "King Henry IV bringing food into Paris in August 1590"
JLJ4575628 War of Religions: " King Henry IV bringing food into Paris in August 1590" King Henry IV (1553-1610) near Paris during the siege of the city in 1590 supplies starving Parisians

Photographs of opera personalities, within illustrated frame with fuchsias. Including, Mr Robert Radford; A very fine basso, who has long been popular on the concert platform

King Henry IV of France (1553-1610) secretly passing bags of flour to supply the hungry Parisian population at
ELD4862774 King Henry IV of France (1553-1610) secretly passing bags of flour to supply the hungry Parisian population at the siege of Paris in 1590 (King Henry IV of France (1553-1610)

French Revolution: "Citizens bringing shirts, shoes, stockings
JLJ4564288 French Revolution: " Citizens bringing shirts, shoes, stockings, clothes to send to volunteers armour" Engraving of the brothers Lesueur (18th century). 18th century

Map presenting a dinner menu under the Commune on Thursday, November 17, 1870. Paris
JLJ4616340 Map presenting a dinner menu under the Commune on Thursday, November 17, 1870. Paris. Police Prefecture by French School, (19th century); Musee de la Prefecture de Police, Paris

It is a pity to waste bread in time of dearth (engraving)
3634826 It is a pity to waste bread in time of dearth (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: It is a pity to waste bread in time of dearth)

Gipsy Love by Basil Hood and Adrian Ross. First produced by George Edwardes at Dalys Theatre, London on 1 June 1912. Showing Harry Dearth, Sari Petrass and Robert Michaelis. Date: circa 1912

War of Religions: "King Henry IV (1553-1610
JLJ4677200 War of Religions: " King Henry IV (1553-1610) near Paris during the siege of the city in 1590 supplies starving Parisians" Painting by Frederic Ronmy (1786-1854)

WAR 1939-1945 - Supply table and rationing for June 1942
XEE4159804 WAR 1939-1945 - Supply table and rationing for June 1942 - by Anonymous; Private Collection; (add.info.: WAR 1939-1945 - Supply table and rationing for June 1942)

The Dearth of Water, Jeremiah XIV, 3 (engraving)
5218661 The Dearth of Water, Jeremiah XIV, 3 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Dearth of Water, Jeremiah XIV, 3)

The rat seller during the Paris siege in 1870 (hs / t 0. 64 x 0
JLJ4664725 The rat seller during the Paris siege in 1870 (h s/t 0.64 x 0.47) painting by Narcisse Chaillou of 1870 (1835-1916) (Rat Seller during the Siege of Paris, 1870)

The milk crisis in Paris: tail of customers in a dairy dairy
XEE4188111 The milk crisis in Paris: tail of customers in a dairy dairy. Cover of " Le petit journal" of 25/11/1920

Rationing ticket after the French defeat of the Second World War
JLJ4662437 Rationing ticket after the French defeat of the Second World War. Milk Distribution Map, 1942. Coll. - Out. by Anonymous; (add.info)

How the Influenza gave a Young Doctor a Rise in his Profession (engraving)
1047089 How the Influenza gave a Young Doctor a Rise in his Profession (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

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"Dearth: A Historical Perspective on Hunger and Generosity" In the world of art and history, it has been a recurring theme, reminding us of the struggles faced by humanity. From Mary Casson's portrayal of Sir Gerald du Maurier in Barrie's "Dear Brutus" to photographs capturing opera personalities framed with fuchsias, we witness the resilience and talent that flourishes even in times of scarcity. Throughout centuries, leaders like King Henry IV of France secretly passed bags of flour to feed the hungry Parisian population during the siege in 1590. The opening of the third seal depicted a knight on a black horse holding a scale symbolizing penury and famine from "The Apocalypse of Cambrai. " These illustrations serve as reminders that hunger spares no one. During periods such as the Great Winter in 1709 or famines in Brittany, acts of compassion emerged. Henri Francois d'Aguesseau saved France during its darkest hour while engravings showcased citizens bringing shirts, shoes, stockings to aid those affected by dearth during the French Revolution. Even under dire circumstances like war or revolution, moments reflecting unity prevailed. King Henry IV brought food into Paris amidst religious conflicts in August 1590. In times when bread was scarce but precious, it became evident that wasting it was an unfortunate act. Artistic expressions also shed light on these historical events; for instance, Basil Hood and Adrian Ross's production "Gipsy Love" highlighted themes surrounding dearth within society. George Edwardes' staging emphasized how creativity can transcend adversity. As we reflect upon these glimpses into our past through paintings, engravings, photographs - we are reminded not only about human suffering but also about our capacity for empathy and generosity. Let us learn from history's lessons so that no one shall ever experience dearth again.