Skip to product information
WWI Trench Art Book
WWI Trench Art Book
WWI Trench Art Book
WWI Trench Art Book
WWI Trench Art Book
WWI Trench Art Book

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

WWI Trench Art Book

  • This rare collection of trench art postcards offers a glimpse into the psyche of WWI soldiers
  • The seventy-four drawings were created by German and Austro-Hungarian men on the front lines
  • These works are among the most expressive artifacts from the Great War, documenting daily life
  • The one-of-a-kind artworks are beautifully presented in a custom leather-bound case
  • Get complete item description here
$48,500
Item No. 32-0489

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
WWI Trench Art Book
Created by German and Austro-Hungarian Soldiers
Circa 1914-1918

This rare collection of seventy-four trench art postcards offers a historic and remarkably intimate glimpse into the psyche of World War I soldiers—men whose voices were often eclipsed by the words of leaders or newspaper stories. Created by individual German and Austro-Hungarian soldiers over three years on the battlefield, these postcard-sized drawings are among the most expressive artifacts from the Great War, documenting. . .
Read More
WWI Trench Art Book
Created by German and Austro-Hungarian Soldiers
Circa 1914-1918

This rare collection of seventy-four trench art postcards offers a historic and remarkably intimate glimpse into the psyche of World War I soldiers—men whose voices were often eclipsed by the words of leaders or newspaper stories. Created by individual German and Austro-Hungarian soldiers over three years on the battlefield, these postcard-sized drawings are among the most expressive artifacts from the Great War, documenting daily realities often left unspoken. From concerns over rations, camaraderie and holidays, to poignant depictions of home, these postcards reveal the inner lives of the men who faced the front lines.

These drawings were crafted for the Austro-Hungarian newspaper Kronen Zeitung (meaning "Crown Newspaper"), which launched a campaign to capture soldiers' true experiences through thousands of blank cards distributed to German and Austro-Hungarian forces. Soldiers were invited to illustrate them freely, providing captions and personal notes. Out of thousands received, only 1,183 cards were selected for publication—this collection represents 100 of the finest examples. They represent an intriguing subset of trench art, a phenomenon that first emerged during the Napoleonic Wars. Trench art flourished during the Great War, perhaps due to the evolution of trench warfare. Soldiers were expected to spend at least 8-10 days on the front line, and some were even required to spend up to two months entrenched.

In each scene and portrait, soldiers capture the everyday struggles, hopes and humor that sustained them through the conflict. These emotive works feature everything from landscapes and familiar village scenes to satire, reflective of how these men saw and coped with their surroundings. Together, these drawings present a profoundly moving view of the war as experienced by those on the ground.

The one-of-a-kind drawings are beautifully presented in a custom leather-bound book and supporting cradle.

Book: 14 1/4" wide x 12 1/2" deep x 3 1/2" high
Read Less
WWI Trench Art Book
Period: 20th Century
Type: Historical Memorabilia
Depth: 12.5 in. (31.75 cm)
Width: 14.25 in. (36.2 cm)
Height: 3.5 in. (8.89 cm)
7 Incredible Holiday Gift Ideas for the Man who has Everything
Read More
How History Shaped the Arts, The Impact of War
Read More

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

Bill Rau

Bill Rau Third-Generation Owner

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.