Interesting discussion.
Charles - it looks like you are spot on in assuming it was "propaganda" of sorts.
I did some research on Morinet and it turns out he painted "parodies of famous works, political and social satires, graphic puns".
Given the period and the styles common, then "propaganda" fits the bill very well.
His other works include titles like "The Brave Soldiers", "Our Young Hero's", "Glory", "Our Wonderful 75mm - Terror of the Boche" etc. Many are models...
Here's another "propaganda" example...
This is entitled "German Soldiers - the Effect of Panic".
The first panel is headed "The Terror", the second "Comrades/Friends" and the last "The Escape"!
