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Britiannia Bides Her Time
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Britiannia Bides Her Time
" Britiannia Bides Her Time.", Alick P. F. ritchie, The Bystander front cover, 19th August 1914.
In 1914, Britannia really did rule the waves, and it was widely expected that the outcome of any forthcoming conflict would be decided at sea. But like so many aspects of the war, the reality did not comply with expectations. An editorial in " The Graphic" confirmed British confidence in her naval superiority, commenting on the absence of incident in the early weeks as "...a very striking tribute to the adequacy and efficacy of the British navy... At any instant we must be prepared to hear the desperate dash of the German ships to sea - desperate because we hold the ocean with such superiority that, baring miracles, the defeat and the annihilation of the German navy is a foregone conclusion." A profile of Ritche in " The Strand" Magazine likened his style to " sly travesties of the cubists, the Futurists, and other eccentric products of the modern movement" and his " Puck-like gift of freakishness" resulted in a variety of satirical styles.
1914
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Battle Ship Britannia Bystander Covers Personification Personified Propaganda War Ship War Ships Ww 1
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Britannia Bides Her Time
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating and thought-provoking image created by the renowned British artist, Alick P. F. Ritchie, for the front cover of The Bystander magazine on August 19, 1914. The illustration depicts Britannia, the personification of Great Britain, casually seated on a large wave with a calm expression, holding an hourglass and gazing out to the vast expanse of the sea. The title of the artwork reflects the idea of Britannia patiently waiting, biding her time, before taking action. At the onset of World War I, Britannia's naval dominance was unquestioned, and it was widely believed that the outcome of the conflict would be determined on the high seas. The British confidence in their naval superiority was echoed in various publications, including an editorial in The Graphic, which stated, "The absence of incident in the early weeks of the war is a very striking tribute to the adequacy and efficacy of the British navy." Ritchie's illustration encapsulates this sentiment, with Britannia's relaxed posture and the tranquil sea around her. Ritchie's artistic style was described as a "sly travesty of the cubists, the Futurists, and other eccentric products of the modern movement." His "Puck-like gift of freakishness" resulted in a diverse range of satirical styles, making him a unique and influential figure in the world of illustration. The intricate details and symbolism in "Britannia Bides Her Time" showcase Ritchie's mastery of the medium and his ability to capture the mood of the time. The image remains a powerful reminder of the British confidence and expectation during the early days of World War I. This image is part of the extensive collection of historical prints available at Mary Evans Prints Online, and it is a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in the visual history of the early 20th century. (c) Illustrated London News/Mary Evans. No commercial use without permission.
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