Cartoon, The false shepherd, WW1
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Cartoon, The false shepherd, WW1
Cartoon, The false shepherd, showing a man posing as a shepherd, with a sheepdog and a flock of sheep, making notes on local aircraft activities. Date: 1915
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14237495
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Activities Activity Baionnette Details Espionage False Flock Notes Posing Satire Satirical Sheep Sheepdog Shepherd Spies Spying Snooping
EDITORS COMMENTS
The False Shepherd: A Satirical Take on WWI Espionage in Rural England, 1915 Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the First World War, the tranquility of the English countryside was not immune to the clandestine activities of spies and intelligence gatherers. In this thought-provoking cartoon from 1915, titled 'The False Shepherd,' a man, disguised as a shepherd, engages in a seemingly innocent pastime with his sheepdog and flock of sheep. However, a closer look reveals the deception: the shepherd is not tending to his charges but meticulously recording local aircraft activities. The cartoon, published during the height of the war, is a poignant commentary on the pervasive nature of espionage and the subtle ways in which it infiltrated even the most idyllic and seemingly insular communities. The man's position in the field, with a notepad and pencil in hand, is a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required during wartime. The image, created in the style of a classic British cartoon, is a testament to the power of satire in capturing the zeitgeist of a historical moment. The juxtaposition of the pastoral setting and the sinister undertones of the shepherd's true intentions is a masterful blend of humor and social commentary. As we reflect on this historical artifact, we are reminded of the complexities of wartime and the myriad ways in which it impacted the daily lives of people, even in the most unexpected of places. The False Shepherd stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of satire to challenge our perceptions and provoke thought.
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