Norway 1940 Art Print by Eric Ravilious - Watercolour and Gouache on Paper
In 1940 Eric took on his role as Official War Artist becoming one of the finest and most prolific war painters of his generation before his death while on active duty during World War Two.
Considered one of the best watercolours of this era, 'Norway' radiates a chilly beauty with arctic sun creeping through grey clouds. The surface of the water is almost black in places along with the silhouettes of war ships. In the distance, mountains loom. The lush grass is luminous by comparison.
 
Somehow Ravillious manages to infuse the watercolour HMS Glorious in the Arctic with charm and tranquility – more pleasure cruiser than vessel of destruction, while planes glide gaily overhead in an exquisite composition of deceptive simplicity. Ravillious's soft pastel colours, cartoon-like figures, tranquil tide pools and sky, can't help but also defuse the sense of danger or threat.