Panorama of Messines [second section]

Place Europe: Belgium, Flanders, West-Vlaanderen, Messines
Accession Number ART11424.002
Collection type Art
Measurement framed: 57 x 130.2 cm; unframed: 49.4 x 122.2 cm (irreg.)
Object type Painting
Physical description oil on canvas
Maker McCubbin, Louis Frederick
Place made Belgium: Flanders, West-Vlaanderen, Messines
Date made 1919
Conflict Period 1910-1919
First World War, 1914-1918
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

Broken and burnt trees line the road to Messines in Belgium following the First World War. The green grass and new growth is indicative of the reclaiming of the war ravaged landscape by nature.

Louis McCubbin enlisted with the 14th Battalion AIF in 1916, serving in France from November 1917 with the 10th Field Ambulance. He undertook a camouflage course and was appointed as an Official War Artist working as Officer in Charge of Camouflage for 3rd Division AIF in 1918. His appointment was terminated in 1920, in which year he returned to Australia and joined the staff of the Australian War Memorial to paint backgrounds for dioramas and to perform a variety of other duties. McCubbin remained in the position until 1930.