Con Moto Perpetuo, by Bairnsfather
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Con Moto Perpetuo, by Bairnsfather
Con Moto Perpetuo
Our Bert (going on leave - having asked a question, and having listened to three minutes unintelligible eloquence): " And ow does the chorus go?"
A cartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather in The Bystander
1916
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14185372
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Con Moto Perpetuo
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a classic and humorous cartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, published in The Bystander magazine in 1916 during the First World War. The image captures the essence of the confusion and frustration experienced by soldiers on the front lines, as they struggled to understand the complex orders and instructions given to them by their commanders. In this particular scene, we see a soldier named Bert, who is about to go on leave, eagerly trying to learn the words to the regimental chorus before he departs. He approaches a group of comrades, who are deep in conversation, and asks them to teach him the chorus. The soldiers, engrossed in their discussion, respond with three minutes of unintelligible eloquence, leaving Bert more bewildered than ever. Bairnsfather's cartoon masterfully portrays the absurdity of military life during wartime, where even the simplest tasks could be made unnecessarily complicated by the fog of war. The soldier's query, "And ow does the chorus go?", serves as a poignant reminder of the human desire to hold on to familiar traditions and routines, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. The image is a testament to the enduring power of humor as a coping mechanism, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. "Con Moto Perpetuo" is not only a valuable historical document, but also a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with audiences today. This print is part of the extensive collection of historical images at Mary Evans Prints Online, which offers a wealth of visual resources for researchers, educators, and anyone with an interest in history and art. The print is courtesy of Illustrated London News Ltd. and is protected by copyright.
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