Framed WWI Naval Print – “Der letzte Mann” by Hans Bohrdt (The Last Man

One of the most dramatic and emotionally powerful images of the Imperial German Navy, “Der letzte Mann” captures the final moments of the light cruiser SMS Leipzig during the 1914 Battle of the Falkland Islands. A single sailor, knee-deep in the churning sea, defiantly raises the Imperial battle flag in a final gesture of loyalty and honor. A true icon of maritime sacrifice, this original lithographic print is a must-have for collectors of WWI naval art and German patriotic imagery.

Historical Context

The Battle of the Falkland Islands was a decisive Royal Navy victory that effectively ended Germany’s commerce-raiding operations in the South Atlantic during the early months of World War I. Among the German ships sunk was the light cruiser SMS Leipzig, whose crew fought until the vessel was ablaze and sinking. Only 18 of the approximately 286 crew members survived.

This image, based on a painting by Professor Hans Bohrdt, became a symbol of devotion to duty and self-sacrifice. Bohrdt (1857–1945) was one of Germany’s most prolific naval artists and a favored illustrator of Kaiser Wilhelm II, known for heroic depictions of the Imperial Navy.

The caption beneath the image reads:

“Der letzte Mann. Aus dem Heldenkampf S.M.S. Leipzig in der Seeschlacht bei den Falklands-Inseln am 8. Dez. 1914, nach dem Gemälde von Professor Hans Bohrdt.”

(“The Last Man. From the heroic battle of S.M.S. Leipzig in the naval battle at the Falkland Islands on December 8, 1914, after the painting by Professor Hans Bohrdt.”)

Physical Description

• Title: Der letzte Mann – “The Last Man”

• Artist: Hans Bohrdt (signed in plate, lower right)

• Printmaker: Druck v. Meisenbach Riffarth & Co., Berlin

• Publisher: Verlag von Otto Zacharias, Leipzig

• Dimensions: Approx. 27 x 21 inches (framed)

• Framing: Original black wood frame with beveled face; matted in off-white archival board under glass

• Mounting Label: Vintage German framer’s tag on rear (Schönsee in Allmersbach, Württemberg)

Condition

Print remains clean and vivid with strong color retention and no foxing or water damage. Light edge toning from age, with small nicks along the inner mat line. The original black-painted frame shows expected surface chipping and edge wear, enhancing its authentic presentation. Glass is intact. Rear brown paper backing with original framer’s stamp remains largely undisturbed.

justProvenance

Framed in southern Germany, later acquired by a U.S. collector. This edition is an original period lithographic reproduction—not a modern reprint—printed and published in Berlin and Leipzig during or shortly after the war.