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The Gotha Raid, France
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The Gotha Raid, France
An oil painting depicting the Gotha Raid, in France, with light beams pointing up towards the night sky. This was painted by an official Australian war artist, who travelled with their forces in Europe. Date: circa 1919
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Media ID 32243020
© CLM Archive Collection / Mary Evans
Australian Beams Depicting Forces Frederick Gotha Official Pointing Raid Travelled 1919 Leist
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This evocative oil painting, titled "The Gotha Raid, France (circa 1919)," captures the awe-inspiring scene of the aftermath of a pivotal moment in World War I history. Painted by the official Australian war artist, Frederick William Leist, the work depicts the night sky above France, illuminated by the beams of searchlights, reaching up towards the heavens in a silent plea for protection. Leist, who traveled with the Australian forces in Europe, expertly rendered the chaotic yet mesmerizing scene. The Gotha Raid refers to the German air raid on the British town of Bedford, which took place on January 19, 1918. During this raid, the German Gotha bombers dropped incendiary bombs on the town, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. In response, the British military deployed searchlights to illuminate the night sky and disrupt the German bombers. The painting's composition emphasizes the contrast between the dark, ominous night and the brilliant, piercing beams of light. The searchlights, though intended to protect, create an otherworldly, almost ethereal atmosphere. Leist's masterful use of color and light adds depth and texture to the scene, making it a poignant reminder of the courage and resilience displayed by the soldiers and civilians during wartime. As an official war artist, Leist's work offers a unique perspective on the war, capturing the raw emotion and intensity of the experience. This painting, with its striking imagery and historical significance, stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to preserve and commemorate the past.
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