1947, ARTHUR SZYK TITLE PAGE, LITHOGRAPH, VISUAL HISTORY OF FRANCE!

1947, ARTHUR SZYK TITLE PAGE, LITHOGRAPH, VISUAL HISTORY OF FRANCE!

A Visual History of France

Title Page Lithograph by Arthur Szyk
Published by K. Bileski, Winipeg, Canada
Lithographed by Herman Jaffe, Printer, New York, NY
Image size 8" x 6-1/2"
Paper size 11-1/2x10"

In capturing the essence of the French nation, Arthur Szyk emphasized distinctively modern events. This painting is a mosaic of bright color, with each of the 90 jewel like squares displaying the coat of arms of an individual region of France, such as Lorraine, Brittany, and Normandy. Yet the unity and shared culture of France clearly shine through.

The initials ‘RF’ (République Française) appear three times and memorialize the establishment of the French Republic in the early part of the French Revolution (1789–1799). Later iterations of the Republic have ultimately led to the current Fifth Republic.

At the center top, poles bearing the tricolor flag are beribboned in the manner of French military and veterans’ flags. France’s national motto — Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) — is borne upon a ribbon scrolling around the center shield.

In the lower third of the illumination are two imposing military figures: on the left, a World War II Resistance fighter wears a non-standard uniform and black beret; on the right is a Sergent-chef of the French Foreign Legion. They remind the viewer that the French Republic was born and nourished in blood and violence, and that the political agenda of France has been reinforced by military power throughout the nation’s history. Between them, a shield shows a ship upon turbulent water. The iconography’s meaning and contextual significance are underscored by the Latin text beneath: Fluctuat nec mergitur. This is the motto of Paris and translates, “That which rises with the waves does not sink.”

Over the right shoulder of the Resistance fighter stands the Eiffel Tower, built in 1889 and a familiar symbol of modern France. Over the left shoulder of the Foreign Legion officer is the Notre Dame cathedral of Paris.

Major French achievements are celebrated through portraits of famous dignitaries. The Marquis de Lafayette (1757–1834) contributed to the success of the American Revolution and sought to maintain order during the French Revolution afterward. The playwright and actor Molière (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, 1622–1673) reformed French comedy with productions such as Tartuffe, and was a favorite of Louis XIV. Joan of Arc, the maid of Orleans, (1412–1431) reversed French military fortunes against the English in the 15th century. Chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur (1822–1895) transformed medical thought and practice, improving the health and longevity of all humankind.

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ADDITIONAL NOTES:
Lithograph Title Pages for Stamp Album The Visual History of Nations set, which represents the founding member countries of the United Nations, including vibrant images representing the United States of America, Canada, Poland, Great Britain, France, USSR, China, Switzerland, and Israel.

This series was commissioned in 1945 by Canadian philatelist and entrepreneur, Kasimir Bileski, with the intent on being used as frontispieces and title pages for a unique international stamp album.

Szyk completed only nine of the 60 countries, plus the Visual History of Flight, before his sudden death in 1951.

THE COMPLETE SET CONSISTS OF:

Airmails of the World - Title Page for Airmails of the World
Artist Arthur Szyk, New York Published by K. Bileski, Station B, Winnipeg, Canada Lithographed in the USA by Herman Jaffe, Printer, New York, USA Copyright 1947 

Great Britain
On back: Title Page for Great Britain
Artist Arthur Szyk Published by K. Bileski, Station B, Winnipeg, Canada Lithographed in the USA by Herman Jaffe, Printer, New York, USA Copyright 1947

France
On back: Title Page for The Republic of France
Artist Arthur Szyk, New York Published by K. Bileski, Station B, Winnipeg, Canada Lithographed in the USA by Herman Jaffe, Printer, New York, USA Copyright 1947

The United States of America
On back: Title Page for The United States of America
Artist - Arthur Szyk, New York Published by K. Bileski, Station B, Winnipeg, Canada Lithographed in the USA by Herman Jaffe, Printer, New York, USA Copyright 1945

U.S.S.R.
On back: Title Page for The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Artist - Arthur Szyk, New York Published by K. Bileski, Station B, Winnipeg, Canada Lithographed in the USA by Herman Jaffe, Printer, New York, USA Copyright 1947

Canada
On back: Title Page for The Dominion of Canada
Artist - Arthur Szyk, New York Published by K. Bileski, Station B, Winnipeg, Canada Lithographed in the USA by Herman Jaffe, Printer, New York, USA Copyright 1946

Poland
On back: Title Page for The Republic of Poland
Artist - Arthur Szyk, New York Published by K. Bileski, Station B, Winnipeg, Canada Lithographed in the USA by Herman Jaffe, Printer, New York, USA Copyright 1946

China
On back: Title Page for The Republic of China
Artist - Arthur Szyk, New York Published by K. Bileski, Station B, Winnipeg, Canada Lithographed in the USA by Herman Jaffe, Printer, New York, USA Copyright 1948

Israel:
On back: Title Page for The State of Israel
Artist - Arthur Szyk, New York Published by K. Bileski, Station B, Winnipeg, Canada Lithographed in the USA by Herman Jaffe, Printer, New York, USA Copyright 1949

Switzerland:
On back: Title Page for The Visual History of Switzerland
Artist - Arthur Szyk, New York Published by K. Bileski, Station B, Winnipeg, Canada Lithographed in the USA by Herman Jaffe, Printer, New York, USA Copyright 1949


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Arthur Szyk was born June 16, 1894 - died September 13, 1951. Szyk was a graphic artist, book illustrator, stage designer and caricaturist. Arthur Szyk was born into a Jewish family in Lódz, in the part of Poland which was under Russian rule in the 19th century. He always regarded himself both as a Pole and a Jew. From 1921, he lived and created his works mainly in France and Poland, and in 1937 he moved to the United Kingdom. In 1940 he settled permanently in the United States, where he was granted American citizenship in 1948.

These would look great as framed art!
Great Collectible Rare / Unique GREAT GIFT OR COLLECTORS ITEM

Some slight age - at the margins and edges only. This item is in Very Fine ++ Condition. <-- Condition Issues If Any. If there are wrinkles, waves, tears or missing pieces, I'll mention them. Please view the scans to form your own opinion on condition. Additional information upon request. Just message me! Thanks for looking, and thanks in advance for your bids or purchase!