Paris is Hell for Horses
1917
About this artwork
This illustration by Benjamin Rabier depicts a soldier and a horse pulling a large cannon through a war-torn landscape, with explosions erupting around them. It is a satirical commentary on the severe conditions faced by animals during wartime.
Did you know?
Benjamin Rabier, renowned for his charming anthropomorphic animal characters, often used his art for children's books and advertising. However, this powerful illustration from 1917 showcases his engagement with contemporary issues, offering a stark critique of the brutality of World War I on animals. The caption ironically contrasts the common saying about Paris being 'hell for horses' with the far more perilous reality of the battlefield.
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Paris is Hell for Horses
Benjamin Rabier, 1917
