Duke's
Lot 244
ERNEST WALLCOUSINS (1883-1976) A three-quarter portrait of Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965), wearing a bow tie and standing before a table displaying St. George slaying the Dragon, oil on canvas, 54" x 35"The model of St George and The Dragon appears to have been added to this work sometime after its initial creation. It`s presence has several possible layers of symbolic meaning. Firstly, it may represent the Allied victory of good over evil during World War II. In addition, as St George is the patron saint of Moscow, it may be emblematic of the alliance between Britain and Russian at the time. It may also have been added to celebrate Elizabeth II`s Coronation in 1953. Finally, the presence of St George and The Dragon could allude to the Great George insignia given by Queen Anne to John Churchill, Ist Duke of Marlborough, to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Blenheim. Sir Winston Churchill wore this very insignia at the Coronation of Elizabeth II. This portrait is illustrated opposite page 1 of The Victory Book, published by Odhams Press Ltd to commemorate the Allied victory in World War II. A copy of this publication is included with this lot. Ernest Wallcousins (1883-1976) was appointed as the official illustrator for all Royal occasions between 1935 and 1963.Provenance: Private collection, London. THE VENDOR WISHES THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO BE ADDED:A PORTRAIT OF WINSTON CHURCHILL CELEBRATING VICTORY, 1945, FEATURING ST GEORGE SLAYING THE DRAGON BY C.E. WALLCOUSINS THE ILLUSTRATOR FOR ALL ROYAL OCCASIONS 1935-1963.The portrait shows Churchill in a book lined room, thought to be a representation of the Cabinet Room and of hist literacy and rhetoric genius, standing behind a table with his hand on a Mercator`s map of the world which symbolises his role as the great strategist globally of the Second World War.St George slaying the Dragon in front of Churchill was added later, perhaps alluding to the Marlborough Great George insignia of his forbear, John Churchill. Winston Churchill wore this insignia on the event of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2nd June, 1953, the 60th anniversary of which is this year. Overall condition of this painting appears quite good with light surface dirt and discolouration. There is a small patch visible on the reverse corresponding with the position of the St. George`s and The Dragon, which were later additions. There are also minor surface losses to the gilt frame.
