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Desolation - Trenches North of Lens, 1919 (oil on canvas)
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Desolation - Trenches North of Lens, 1919 (oil on canvas)
2956764 Desolation - Trenches North of Lens, 1919 (oil on canvas) by Weyden, Harry van der (1868-1952); 66.04x115.57 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: This evocative painting depicts the aftermath of the Battle of Hill 70, between the Canadian Corps and five divisions of the German Sixth Army in August 1917. It was a bloody and inconclusive fight, in which both sides used poison gas, initiated to draw German troops away from the main fight at Ypres. Five Victoria Crosses were awarded to Canadian soldiers, and one to a Ukrainian serving with them. Nearly 10, 000 Canadians were lost in the battle.
British artists commissioned by the War Propaganda Bureau to paint the Great War found that massive battles seemed to defy dramatic representation and instead looked for new ways of depicting them that avoided conventional narrative. The most popular was paint the apocalyptic aftermath of the action, relying for effect on the memory of those who were there and the imagination of those who were not. There are many paintings of the battlefields around Lens in the Imperial War Museum in London The mud is a particular light colour because of chalk in the ground.
Van der Weyden exhibited this painting in the Camouflage Exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1919. He joined the British Army at the advanced age of 46, serving with the Royal Engineers as Camouflage Officer (an art that the Allies learned belatedly from the Germans). Both his sons joined up with him. One of them was awarded the Military Cross in 1918. There are two watercolour studies in the Imperial War Museum for the painting, one inscribed Chicory Trench, N. of Lens 1918, the other dated 1919. Both are close to the finished painting.); Photo © The Ms Gallery, London
Media ID 31717342
© The Maas Gallery, London / Bridgeman Images
Battlefields Desolate Desolation First World War 1st World War Lens Trench Trenches Ypres 1914 1918 1914 1918 Wwi Ww One Battle Field Belgians Belgium Belgian First World War 1914 1918 Great War
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Desolation - Trenches North of Lens, 1919
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a haunting and evocative painting that captures the aftermath of the Battle of Hill 70 during World War I. Created by British artist Harry van der Weyden, this oil on canvas print depicts the devastating impact of war on both sides. The battle was fought between the Canadian Corps and five divisions of the German Sixth Army in August 1917. It was a fierce and inconclusive fight, marked by the use of poison gas as a tactical maneuver. The painting serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers from both nations, with nearly 10,000 Canadians losing their lives. Van der Weyden's approach to depicting war differed from conventional narrative representations. Instead of focusing on intense battle scenes, he chose to portray the desolate aftermath – an apocalyptic landscape filled with mud and destruction. This technique allowed him to rely on viewers' memories and imaginations to evoke emotions associated with war. The artist himself had firsthand experience serving in World War I at an advanced age alongside his two sons. He joined the British Army as a Camouflage Officer, utilizing techniques learned from German forces. Van der Weyden's personal connection adds depth and authenticity to his artwork. This print offers us a glimpse into history through art – reminding us not only of past conflicts but also honoring those who bravely fought for their countries amidst unimaginable devastation.
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