Literature Review of ‘Neither beasts, nor gods, but men.’ by Jonathan Black
Literature Review of ‘Neither beasts, nor gods, but men.’ Written by Jonathon Black in January 2003, and reviewed by Brent Meheux in April 2017. Abstract ‘Constructions of Masculinity and the Image of the Ordinary British Soldier or ‘Tommy’ in the First World War Art of: C.R.W Nevinson (1889-1946); Eric Henri Kennington (1888-1960) and Charles Sargent Jagger (1885-1934). In his statement, Jonathon Black sets out to research, and deliver conclusions, on the art of the 3 listed artists; art that was produced in response to, or linked to, the British soldier’s (junior ranks, NCO’s and privates) experiences during the First World War. Through this research one of his objectives is to understand the private soldier who had either volunteered, or was conscripted, in to the conflict; and who was primarily from the British working-classes. Another of the objectives can be seen to be that of the notions and ideals of ‘Masculinity’ within the British middle classes, and intellectual elite, the ...
