1943.07.24 "Russian Steppes" by Ralph Lee

1943.07.24 “Russian Steppes”
by Ralph Lee (1906-1947)
14 x 22 in., ink on board
Coppola Collection

Ralph Lee was an editorial cartoonist for the Portland Oregonian. He died suddenly, at 41, in January 1947. His cousin, Art Bimrose, was the editorial cartoonist for the Oregonian for more than three decades. In 1937, the Oregonian hired him part-time to work on printing plates. Following Lee’s death, Bimrose was hired as the Sunday editorial cartoonist.                          

Just days earlier, the Battle of Kursk had effectively turned against Germany. It was intended to regain the initiative after Stalingrad, instead, it failed decisively. Adolf Hitler is running hard, sword raised, but he’s on a treadmill: lots of effort, no progress. Stalin is “fleet-footed,” easily staying ahead, even slightly mocking. Germany is trapped in the geography (steppes) of Russia and also trapped in futile motion. The Eastern Front was becoming a war of attrition Germany cannot win.