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The dominant, heroic figure of Marianne, the French allegorical figure of Liberty and Reason, shields the recently restored figures of Alsace and Lorraine with her protective embrace. A fire rages in the background. The border region of Alsace-Lorraine was much disputed. During the First World War the territory was the focus of fighting and atrocities as both sides used the area and its peoples as pawns in battle. Greiffenhagen was born in London of Baltic German descent. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools and exhibited there from 1884. He worked as an illustrator, but from 1900 moved towards portrait panting. From 1906 to 1929 he was the headmaster of the Life Department at Glasgow School of Art. This work forms part of the portfolio 'The Great War: Britain's Efforts and Ideals' series of 66 lithographic prints commissioned by the Ministry of Information in 1917. The series provide a broad and fascinating representation of Britain's war objectives, military activities and effort on the Home Front.