Natalia Gonchorova played a vital role in the development of contemporary book illustration in Russia, with her first published work used as the cover for the 1910 Knave of Diamonds exhibition catalogue. The Images of War portfolio was created in 1914, a response to the outbreak of the First World War. She uses religious and mythological icons and motifs throughout the series to create patriotic and powerful images. This print shows the French cockerel proudly astride a field gun, symbolising the role that France was playing as an ally of Russia in the war.