A Proposal in Flanders by Bairnsfather
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A Proposal in Flanders by Bairnsfather
Humours from the Front - No 31
A Proposal in Flanders
The point of Jeans pitchfork awakens a sense of duty in a mine that shirked
A cartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather in The Bystander. A farm workers proposal is interrupted by a buried mine exploding, triggered by a pitchfork stuck into the ground
1915
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14185179
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Amorous Bairnsfather Bruce Bystander Explosion Flanders Humours Mine Proposal Worker
EDITORS COMMENTS
A Proposal in Flanders" is a poignant and humorous cartoon by Captain Bruce Bairnsfather, published in The Bystander in 1915 during the First World War. The image captures the unexpected interruption of a simple farm worker's proposal, set against the backdrop of the war-torn landscape of Flanders. In the illustration, a farm worker, with a pitchfork in hand, is proposing to his sweetheart, who is seated on a hay bale. The moment is tender and heartfelt, but the tranquility is shattered as a buried mine, disturbed by the pitchfork, explodes beneath them. The shocked expressions on their faces convey the sudden and harsh reality of life in the war zone. Bairnsfather's "Humours from the Front" series, which included this cartoon, was renowned for its ability to capture the absurdities and hardships of life on the Western Front. "A Proposal in Flanders" is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of war and the fragility of life, even in the most mundane moments. The cartoon, published in The Bystander on October 22, 1915, was created during a time when the war was at its height, and the world was eager for any respite from the grim reality of the conflict. Bairnsfather's ability to find humor in the most unlikely of situations made his work a welcome distraction for those on the home front. Today, "A Proposal in Flanders" stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the human experience, even in the most challenging of circumstances. The image remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the First World War and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. This piece of history is brought to you by Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans, a leading provider of historical images and visual content. The image is a valuable addition to any collection of World War I art or historical archives, and is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of the war or the work of Captain Bruce Bairnsfather.
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