Mussolini’s Commandos. New York, 1942.

SZYK, Arthur. Mussolini’s Commandos. Signed and Dated “Arthur Szyk, N.Y. (19)42.” Black ink and pencil on paper. Sheet size: 8″ x 5 3/4″. Image size: 7″ x 5 1/2″. Minor loss to lower left corner not affecting image. Mat burn. Otherwise Very Good condition.

Captured Italian soldiers are marching in a long line with their arms raised in surrender behind British military police. The Englishman carries under his arm orders which read: “Report of the Royal military police about the arrest of Italian commandos suspected of hostile intentions…” The Italians are all smiling; looking distinctly non-hostile and rather delighted to be out of the war.

Following the Pact of Steel (1939) that Mussolini made with Hitler, Italy was obligated to go to war with Germany although they were unprepared. The Italian soldiers fought well but their generals did not lay out solid plans, which created a devastating loss of prestige and morale among the troops. Unable to effectively attack the British they lost the offense and were defeated.

Benito Mussolini was a favorite target of Arthur Szyk’s even when he wasn’t actually in a drawing. After the invasion of Sicily in September 1943, the year following this caricature, the southern Italians did in fact surrender to Anglo American forces, and according to Szyk, were happy to do so!

Provenance: Bernard J. Gittelson, agent for Arthur Szyk.

Publishing History: New York Post, September 12, 1942, page 21.