Of Course I Believe in Axis Victory. New York, 1941.

SZYK, Arthur. [The Holy War]. Of course, I Believe in Axis Victory…But I want to be payed [sic] in pounds. Signed and Dated “Arthur Szyk, New York, 1941”. Pen and ink and colored pencil on paper. Sheet size: 11″ x 8 1/2″. Image size: 6 1/2″ x 7 1/2″. Very Good condition.

Szyk’s unerring ability to cut through all pretenses is brilliantly exhibited here in this satire of the role played by the Middle Eastern Leaders during World War II. A grotesque Arab sheik, portrayed having a meeting with a ludicrously straight-backed Nazi leader, gives assurance of his commitment to a German victory. “Of course, I believe in Axis victory,” he says “But I want to be payed [sic] in [English] pounds…” This duality of intent, perfectly captures the what’s-in-it-for-me position taken by the Arabs during the world conflict. Szyk has penciled “The Holy War” as if to indicate this is a position taken by the Arab World as it envisions WW II, as supported by the Mufti of Jerusalem’s friendship with Hitler and his call for the annihilation of the Jews of Palestine.

Provenance: Parke Bernet Sale, New York, Mrs. Arthur Szyk, May 11, 1965, lot 40.

Publishing History: PM Newspaper. April 23, 1941; Newsweek Magazine. June 9, 1941, p. 52.