Antique Highlight: Prisoner of War Art

This week we're exploring a type of Trench art that is less generally known. We have looked at various Trench art pieces before, often made from bullets and spent artillery shells, however, this week I want to talk about art that was made in prisoner of war camps.

These pieces often served as souvenirs, decorations, a form of trade, or simply as ways to pass the time. This pair of plaques here from the first world war depict the monograms FJ and FB inside of hearts.

We can’t say for sure, but it is clear that whoever the initials belonged to, they meant a great deal to the prisoner who made these plaques. Above reads “souvenir de captivite, Pologne Russe” or “memory of captivity in Russian Poland”. Below are the dates 1914 and 1916.

They also depict laurels and oak leaves as signs of achievement and strength and endurance respectively.

These beautiful hand carved pieces are a true testament to the human spirit. And that’s our antique of the week.

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