Summary
Alternative Name(s): Certificate Artwork - World War I
Original artwork, designed by Cecil G. Smith, for a certificate to be awarded to individuals who enlisted in the Great War, 1914-1918. The certificate reads 'In Freedom's Cause .... All Honour to The Brave'. The centrepiece of the certificate is an allegorical image of Australia as a a young woman, offering an olive branch towards a shield emblazoned with the Union Jack. The illuminated around the border includes the names of allied nations who participated in World War I.
The certificate was published by D.W.Paterson Co. Pty Ltd.
In the City of Melbourne's files, 1919/4514, is a letter from the publisher of this artwork, D.W.Paterson Co. Pty Ltd, of 495 Collins Street, to the Town Clerk of 10 January 1918. '...we have no hesitation in saying that the certificate now sent you is the finest yet issued. The figure in the foreground is emblematic of Australia holding the laurel branch to the volunteer. Great Britain, the Dominions and Colonies are represented by the shields at the top...'
Physical Description
Illuminated certificate - original artwork. The centrepiece of the certificate is a picture of a young woman dressed in white robes with a blue cape with the stars of the Southern Cross upon it, symbolising Australia. She offers an olive branch towards a shield emblazoned with the Union Jack. Beside her is a rifle and a soldier's tin hat. The illumination around the border of the certificate includes the names of allied nations which participated in the war: America, Japan, Serbia, Belgium, France, Russia, Italy Rumania, Portugal and Brazil.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Manufacturer
Mr Cecil G. Smith, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1918
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Place & Date Used
Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1918 or later
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Inscriptions
The certificate reads "In Freedom's Cause / All Honour to The Brave". In lower right corner: 'Cecil G. Smith, Des. Melb.'
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
51 cm (Length), 35.4 cm (Width)
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References
Elizabeth Willis: 'Changing Images of valour 1917 -1923: honour certificates from the First World War', in the Journal of the Australian War Memorial, volume 31, October 1997. [Link 1]
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Keywords
Allegorical Art, Artworks, Wars & Conflicts, World War I, 1914-1918