Context
The early 20th century in Europe was marked by the First World War, colonialism and the rise of nationalism, which in France manifested itself in heightened jingoism. The presence of soldiers from the colonies on French soil after the war created tensions among the resident population. Finally, in the world of sport, the 1920s saw African American athletes excel in several disciplines. It was in this context that the 1924 Olympic Games were held in Paris.
This general situation and the political and racial ideologies that stemmed from it were reflected in the sports cartoons drawn by Marcel Arnac, illustrator and pioneer of comic strips, for Galeries Lafayette.
In this stylised childish universe, there are numerous stereotypical representations of non-European athletes, in terms of their physical appearance, clothing, names and mediocre sporting performances.
For their part, the French are not always portrayed in a favourable light, either. Sometimes it is chance or luck that leads them to victory, but they always remain superior to their opponents.
Description
VI. Boxing
In addition to the caricatured physical features and names of the non-European characters, the difference in equipment between the two teams is also noteworthy. The French team have a jug and a bowl, while their opponents have just a towel and a straw stool. What is more, the referee is shown standing passively and not watching the violent spectacle taking place in front of him.