Submarines, from the World War I Puzzle Cards series

Chocolates Jaime Boix, Barcelona|Gustave Zédé|J. Lopez

1921–23 · Color lithograph · Drawings and Prints

These collectable puzzle cards were inserted into chocolate bars by a Barcelona-based confectionary company for promotional purposes, though they also constituted an essential means of circulating information about the war to a broad public. When a full set of cards is assembled, it reveals an important World War I–era figure. Each set contains eighteen cards. Included on the back of each card is a description of the figure or country represented and the surrounding scenes. This set of puzzle cards describes innovations in submarine technology and the role such technologies played during World War I. The central figure, Gustave Zédé, was a pioneering designer of submarines, and collaborated with the French Navy on several designs. Surrounding him are depictions of submarine blueprints, battle scenes involving submarines, and views of resulting destruction.

Artist

Chocolates Jaime Boix, Barcelona|Gustave Zédé|J. Lopez

Date

1921–23

Medium

Color lithograph

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Purchase, Jefferson R. Burdick Bequest, 2017