St Eloi Collection

French soldiers who were metalworkers before the war, celebrating the feast of their patron saint, St Eloi
6000476 French soldiers who were metalworkers before the war, celebrating the feast of their patron saint, St Eloi, at the front, World War I, 1916 (colour litho) by Damblans

Blacksmiths celebrating the feast of St Eloi (colour litho)
2779462 Blacksmiths celebrating the feast of St Eloi (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Blacksmiths celebrating the feast of St Eloi)

Famous craftsmen (colour litho)
3099326 Famous craftsmen (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Famous craftsmen)

St Eligius serving food to the poor (engraving)
3647817 St Eligius serving food to the poor (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: St Eligius serving food to the poor)

Dagobert I and St Eloi, 7th Century (chromolitho)
1093834 Dagobert I and St Eloi, 7th Century (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Dagobert I and St Eloi, 7th Century)

The legend of St Eloi (coloured engraving)
5998837 The legend of St Eloi (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The legend of St Eloi)

British soldiers after the Battle of St Eloi, Flanders, First World War, 27 March 1916, (c1920). Happy Warriors: officers

Glorious Charge of the Fusiliers at St. Eloi, 1916. Creator: Unknown
Glorious Charge of the Fusiliers at St. Eloi, 1916. The Battle of St. Eloi was fought from 27 March to 16 April 1916 in a landscape pitted by mine explosions

German positions near Ypres, Flanders, First World War, 1915, (c1920). Creator: Unknown
German positions near Ypres, Flanders, First World War, 1915, (c1920). Map of the Environs of Ypres, showing approximately the German line after the battles of St. Eloi and Hill 60

The Church St Eloi at Dunkirk devastated in WW1
The Church of St Eloi (Eligius, also Eloy or Loye), Dunkirk, France - devastated during WW1. circa 1916

The Church of St. Eloi, Dunkerque, France, 1883

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

In the midst of the chaos and destruction of World War I, a group of French soldiers found solace in their shared heritage as metalworkers. Before the war, they were skilled craftsmen, honing their talents in the art of shaping metals. But now, on this special occasion, they gathered to celebrate something greater - the feast of their patron saint, St Eloi. With vibrant colors illuminating the scene in a lithograph from 1916, we catch a glimpse into this extraordinary moment. The blacksmiths stand tall and proud, their faces etched with determination and resilience. They have not forgotten who they are amidst the horrors of war; instead, they find strength in their shared identity as craftsmen. The legend is depicted through various artworks surrounding them - an engraving shows him serving food to the poor while another chromolitho portrays his encounter with Dagobert I during the 7th century. These images serve as reminders that even in times of strife and hardship, acts of kindness can prevail. Meanwhile, British soldiers are captured after a fierce battle at St Eloi in Flanders. Their exhausted faces tell tales untold but speak volumes about sacrifice and bravery endured on these treacherous grounds. As we zoom out from this snapshot into history's pastels hues unfold before us: German positions near Ypres loom ominously against an eerie backdrop - remnants left behind by those who fought valiantly for what they believed was right. Yet amongst all this devastation stands one constant symbol - The Church St Eloi at Dunkirk. Once majestic and grandiose it has been reduced to ruins by WW1's unforgiving hand but still holds within its walls stories untold waiting patiently for someone willing enough to listen. And finally there is Robinson Crusoe's chestnut tree engraved onto paper forever capturing nature's resilience amidst man-made chaos just like these brave souls celebrating Saint Eloi's feast.