| Place | Europe: France |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART90510 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | sheet: 32.7 x 23.3 cm; image: 24 x 18.7 cm |
| Object type | |
| Physical description | hand-coloured woodcut on paper |
| Maker |
Descares, Victor Lucien |
| Place made | France: Paris |
| Date made | 1917 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright unknown |
Guynemer
Description
Stylised portrait of Guynemer, France's most beloved ace fighter pilot of the First World War. The figure dominates the picture plane, out off proportion to the aircraft and surrounding landscape. Guynemer was hailed as the French 'Ace of Aces'; he was one of the pilots to receive a SPAD VII, calling his aircraft Vieux Charles. Revered by the French as the veteran of over 600 combats, twice wounded and awarded 26 citations, Guynemer was the recipient of the highest honours for gallantry that France could bestow, including the Médaille Militaire (Military Medal). He was killed in action on 11 September 1917, aged 23 years.