Edward Jeffery Irving Ardizzone (1900-1979)
The officers' stand at the army races at Cesena
Medium: Pen and watercolour
Size without frame: 10.0" x 11.0"
Size including frame: 17.0" x 18.0"
Price:
£2,150
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Ardizzone was commissioned as an official War Artist in 1940 recording many British campaigns until September 1945. Most of his wartime works are held by the Imperial War Museum, London (including one other from this race meet at Cesena). Ardizzone followed the British 8th Army campaign in Italy as General Sir Richard Loudon McCreery took over as commander in October 1944, Cesena fell a few weeks later and the Spring offensive of 1945 saw victory in Italy achieved by 2nd May, 1945. We, naturally, assumed this race meet took place after victory in Italy, May 1945, and before September 1945 (when Ardizzone was discharged). McCreery was a very accomplished, and passionate, horseman so we had thought the idea for the races may have been his, in celebration of the end of the fighting. But no, a little research has revealed the races took place on Saturday, 10th March 1945. 'To the races at Cesena with Maclennan in the afternoon. Great fun. Magnificently organised by Corps and complete with bookies, tote and immaculate young officers from the Lancer Regiments. As usual lose on every race' Diary of a War Artist, Edward Ardizzone.
In very good condition with colours fresh and initialled lower right.
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