Description
A memorable edition featuring Messerschmitt Bf109s and the original signatures of WWII Luftwaffe Aces
One of the oldest fighter units in the Luftwaffe, by January 1944 elements from JG53 Pik As (Ace of Spades) had fought in virtually every theatre of the war in Europe. The Geschwader had fought in the Battle of France, the Battle of Britain, and had taken part in the invasion of Russia. They’d fought in Italy, the Mediterranean and in North Africa but in late 1943, with Allied heavy bombers penetrating almost every corner of Germany, II./JG53 were moved to Austria to help defend the southern borders, employed in the ‘Defence of the Reich’.
In his breath-taking painting, leading aviation artist Anthony Saunders has fittingly chosen to depict this famous unit to represent all those who flew Messerschmitt Bf109s in combat during WWII. As they undertake a defensive patrol, the battle- weary pilots of 6./JG53 are seen racing through the snow-covered Alps in January 1944. Having departed their base at Seyring near Vienna, the largest and most important Luftwaffe airfield in the area, Staffelkapitän Alfred Hammer leads his pilots through a beguiling backdrop of majestic mountains, ice-clad lakes and picturesque villages, their serene tranquillity in sharp contrast to the violent intercepts to which they might be vectored at any moment.
Image size approx: 28 ½” wide x 15” high
Overall print size approx: 33” wide x 21” high
Now reproduced as a fine art Limited Edition and printed onto borders that were personally signed many years ago, each copy carries the authentic autographs of two distinguished Luftwaffe Aces who took part in many critical combat missions across the European theatre during WWII. Since signing, both pilots have sadly passed away giving even greater meaning to the release and adding great historical interest.
The Signatures
Along with artist Anthony Saunders, every print bears the original autographs of two highly-regarded Luftwaffe Aces:
Oberstleutnant HEINZ MARQUARDT
Knight’s Cross & German Cross in Gold / 121 victories
Oberstleutnant NORBERT HANNIG
Iron Cross 1st Class / 42 victories
The Remarque Edition
Widely considered as some of the best and largest in the industry, Anthony’s unique pencil remarques are individually created in the lower margin of the print. The first edition, consisting of 15 single sized remarques, are a perfect way to collect original art.
The Double Remarque
Created specially for the serious collector, these dramatic pieces are much bigger than a standard remarque and exclusively restricted to just 10 copies worldwide. The demand for these superb creations is such that we urge collectors to reserve their remarque early to avoid disappointment.
THE LIMITED EDITION
Edition Size – 75
THE ARTIST PROOFS
Edition Size – 15
THE REMARQUES
Edition Size – 15
THE DOUBLE REMARQUES
Edition Size – 10
