A Costly Climbing. New York, 1942.

SZYK, Arthur. “A Costly Climbing… Von Bock Advancing.” Signed and Dated “Arthur Szyk, N.Y. (19)42”. Black ink and pencil on paper. Sheet size: 9″ x 6″. Image size: 8 11/16″ x 5 1/2″. Very Good condition.

In the summer of 1942, the Germans began an all-out offensive against Stalingrad and yet another attempt to capture the rich oil reserves of the Caucasus. Despite determination and strong men, the inevitability of Russian Winter was the ultimate victor and the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains were as high as the Germans (under General Von Bock) could ascend without losing more lives.

Provenance: Parke Bernet Sale, New York, Mrs. Arthur Szyk, November 27, 1963, lot 57A.