No. 5 "United Defence against Aggression (England and France - 1914)" [From 'The Great War: Britain's Efforts And Ideals shown in a series of lithographic prints: 'The Ideals' series]

Artist Francis Ernest Jackson (1872 - 1945)

Date1917

MediumLithograph on paper

Dimensions76.2 x 48.3 cm

ClassificationsPrint

Credit LineCollection & image © Hugh Lane Gallery. Donated by the British Ministry of Information.

Object number459

DescriptionThis is a five colour planographic print (lithograph) on paper, and is part of a series entitled 'The Great War: Britain's Efforts And Ideals shown in a series of lithographic prints: 'The Ideals' series. There are a total of six lithographs in this particular series, and in total there are ten series. The lithographs are numbered as if the entire ten series are one, so this print is number 5.

F.E. Jackson was appointed the technical advisor to the Ministry of Information’s Efforts and Ideals series of lithographic prints. Given Jackson’s particular expertise in this area he was well placed to advise other artists who had never worked in the medium previously. As well as approaching the artists and inviting them to participate, he organised everything from the supply of materials to the gratuity to the printers. Jackson was offered a decoration for his work but instead asked for, and was granted, a holiday in Paris at the Government’s expense. His own contribution to the Ideals series, United Defence Against Aggression shows female personifications of England and France while Germany is represented by a crowned eagle. Jackson’s work, particularly the standing figure of France, is indebted to two works by the nineteenth century French artist Puvis de Chavannes, The Balloon and The Carrier Pigeon, both of which see female figures warding off impending aggression. Just as Jackson’s work was made in response to a war-time situation, Puvis’ works were made in response to the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. By dressing the figures in medieval inspired garb, Jackson emphasises the significant historical ties binding England and France. In his work as a whole, the artist loved portraying flowers and this is evident in this print here where delicate blooms and verdant growth is contrasted with the stark background surrounding the black eagle. F.E. Jackson presented a lithograph, Roses, to this Gallery in memory of Hugh Lane.
Jessica O'Donnell 2014

This print depicts two women, one kneeling on a cushion brandishing a sword and one standing, in a flower filled setting. They represent England and France. They peer towards a large black bird wearing a crown, in flight immediately above them. The kneeling woman looks as if she is about to drawn her sword in defence.

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