What Is This Democracy They Say We’re Fighting For? New Canaan, 1948.

SZYK, Arthur. “What is This Democracy They Say We’re Fighting For?… That’s What They Call Oil in English….” Signed and Dated “Arthur Szyk, New Canaan 194(8)”. Pen and ink on paper. Sheet size: 6 3/4″ x 5 1/2″. Image size: 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″. Editorial markings, Good condition.

Two Arabs are enjoying their coffee and hookah in the desert. One is a uniformed soldier holding his rife. The other wears the distinctive headgear of a Mufti, an Islamic scholar and interpreter of Islamic law who is also capable of issuing Fatwas. Behind them another armed military man stands guard over their conversation. “What is this Democracy they say we’re fighting for?” asks one Arab. “That’s what they call oil in English…” answers his friend.

To show a Mufti discussing Democracy is certainly at odds with the fact that the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem not only associated with Adolf Hitler but openly recruited Muslims to fight for Germany. After the conclusion of World War II a power scramble ensued with multiple nations having a vested interest in the outcome of The Holy War in Palestine. Szyk boldly states his position here by suggesting that “oil” has a great deal to do with western interest.

This work of art is likely part of a series of drawings created by Arthur Szyk entitled: “The Holy War Series.”

Provenance: Alexandra Szyk Bracie, daughter of Arthur Szyk.

Publishing History: New York Post, July 1, 1948 page 2.