The War Art Of An Impressionist

As noted yesterday, Alfred Munnings would be part of the exhibition of Canadian war art following the First World War. This photograph below shows the exhibit in Toronto, showing some of the art, including a dramatic canvas that is part of the Museum's collection, but rarely shown. It's called The Flag, by Byam Shaw, and depicts the grief of those who are left to mourn the dead of war. I've featured it before- check out the museum link for another look.

Aside from painting, Munnings would sketch a lot- items that would later end up transferred onto the canvas. These two are examples: Portrait Of Canadian Officer, Lt. Maclachlan La Bergement and Canadian Officer.

A wider view of the exhibit.

We come towards the end, dominated by a large unfinished canvas, Watering Horses Near Domart.

A quote by Munnings acknowledges the importance of the war in what he did for the rest of his life.

Two portraits hang to the right of the big canvas, depicting two men and their horses. Brigade-Major Geoffrey Brooke, DSO is at top, while at bottom is Le Comte d'Etchegoyen, depicting a French interpreter and officer seconded to the Canadian Cavalry Brigade.

Here we see the large canvas itself. It is clear that it's not finished, but much of the work is there.

Munnings, it seems, enjoyed his time with Canadian soldiers, with his quote on this panel speaking to that.

Two last paintings to end this series. At top is Captain Prince Antoine of Orleans and Braganza, depicting a deposed member of the French royal family, who served with the British and the Canadians. At bottom is an unfinished painting, A Canadian Trooper And His Horse.