During the past World Cup Series, Anheuser Busch ran a series of TV ads during breaks in the action. Entitled, “Rise As One,” it retold the story of the 1914 Christmas Day Truce that happened in the first months of WW1. If you’re not familiar with the history, it’s a touching story of how the soldiers in both the German and British trenches established a brief peace all on their own, and ventured out into No Man’s Land on Christmas morning, to play a friendly game of football. Soccer.
One hundred years later, I was contacted by Tarras Productions and asked if I could do a few paintings to give the film a more personal, and special feeling. I was immediately excited as this is the power of painting, to touch the heart of the subject in a way that allows the viewer to complete the scene in their own way. My paintings were to capture the feeling of those moments the agency had in mind.
Documentaries by Tarras Productions here...
The "Christmas Truce of 1914" on History channel here...
No Man's Land, first painting of the series
The British trenches
The German Trenches
Capt. Hamilton
Stray shell that landed in Hamilton's dugout, but didn't detonate...
Signalman Brookes in his dugout...
Signalman Brookes running a message across No Man's Land
Lt. Zemisch orders his men not to shoot during Christmas
The British troops celebrating Christmas Eve.
While the Germans celebrate, Lt. Zemisch calls over to the British, wishing them a Merry Christmas.
Signalman Brookes, in his dugout listening over the wire, can hear the Germans singing.
Capt. Hamilton returns the good wishes.
Lt. Zemisch ventures out into No Man's Land with a lantern.
The Brits see this and slowly come out, leaving their weapons behind.
A truce, sealed by a handshake on Christmas Eve.
No Man's Land Christmas morning, 1914, after being cleared by German and British soldiers
Lt. Zemisch oversees the burial of so many soldiers
Christmas morning, both sides face each other without weapons
Officers and enlisted meet in No Man's Land, shake hands and share cigarettes, cigars, and chocolates
One of the soldiers brought a football
Much laughter ensues while the two sides tell stories and relax over a game of football...Lt. Zemisch joins in
