Knights of the Crooked Cross. New York, 1941.
SZYK, Arthur. Knights of the Crooked Cross. Signed and Dated “Arthur Szyk, NY. 1941”. Pen and ink on verso of graph paper, mounted on board. Image size: 7″ x 12″. Very Good condition.
A grumpy Russian soldier scowls at the approach of Hitler and his Huns. Swastikas appear (where a crusader’s cross might be) on shields, belt buckles, beneath the horse’s neck, even working as Hitler’s spurs. Bleached white skulls are scattered on the road raising the suggestion that this parade might be a Death March; as in fact history proved true. But Adolph, in medieval knight’s armor, carries a streaming banner heralding “For St. Petrol & St. Wheat” as if he is a benevolent saint who has come to aid the masses.
In late June of 1941 Hitler ordered (against all military advice on the foolishness of fighting two fronts) the German Army to invade Russia. Even after the disastrous winter drove the soldiers into Stalingrad where they were surrounded by Russian troops, Hitler blindly pushed them to fight on “until the last bullet was spent”. On the 31st of January, 1943 the Germans surrendered in Stalingrad and a fatal blow had been struck.
Publishing History: Drawn for the American Mercury magazine but unpublished.
