A painting of German chancellor Otto Von Bismarck meeting French diplomats at Versailles after the Franco-Prussian War, ca. 1871.

In this painting, Von Bismarck offers the French his terms after the French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). The German artist sought to capture the French diplomats sinking into despair as Bismarck proudly issues the severe and humiliating terms he is forcing upon them. This 1871 negotiation also took place at the Palace of Versailles, which made it a symbolic location for signing the treaty ending World War I when the roles were reversed: France was among the victors and Germany was defeated. Other symbols included in the painting include the Prussian helmet and iron cross. There are also scraps of paper on the floor and a map of Europe behind Bismarck.

Citation Information
War Department, “Enemy Activities - Officers - Lest we forget,” Digital Public Library of America, https://dp.la/item/e397bc29b9040608ce427dca1f8b15f6.
Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.
Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration.
Link iconView item information
External link iconView in National Archives and Records Administration

Tips for Students

For this source, consider:

  • the author's point of view
  • the author's purpose
  • historical context
  • audience