FRANK BRANGWYN ANTWERP / THE LAST BOAT. Circa 1914.

39 3/4x24 inches. L. Upcott Gill & Son, Antwerp.
Condition B+: repaired tears and minor restored losses in margins; unobtrusive vertical and horizontal folds. Mounted on old linen.
On October 10, 1914, after days of heavy artillery bombardment by the German army, the Belgians gave up the strategic port city of Antwerp. The evacuation had begun several days before. In order to raise funds for the Belgian Red Cross, Brangwyn designed this image which was sold in "a limited edition of proofs." Born in Belgium and schooled in England, Brangwyn created posters during the First World War for three different countries. Although Brangwyn was known for his realistic depictions, and his style lends itself very well to this hectic, midnight quay-side scene, in this instance he must have recreated the scene from his imagination, as very few Belgians evacuated the city by boat. A very rare image.