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The Madonna of Montauban
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The Madonna of Montauban
The Madonna of Montauban. Date: circa 1918
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14148892
© David Cohen Fine Art/Mary Evans Picture Library
1869 Corps Handley Madonna Montauban Read Topographical 1935
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Madonna of Montauban" is a poignant and evocative painting that captures the intersection of art, history, and war. Painted circa 1918, this work is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. At the center of the composition, the Madonna, with her gentle expression and outstretched arms, cradles the Christ Child. Her gaze is fixed on the viewer, imparting a sense of calm and protection. But this is no ordinary Madonna. Surrounding her are the remnants of war: a rusted machine gun, the insignia of the 1st Corps of the British Army, and the date 1869, a reference to the founding of the Corps. The backdrop is Montauban, a town in northern France that was a key battleground during World War I. The painting was created by an unknown artist during the height of the conflict, and it is believed that it may have been intended as a tribute to Captain Edward Handley Read, a decorated British military officer who served in the Corps during the war. Handley Read was known for his expertise in military topography, and it is said that he carried a small painting of the Madonna with him into battle. The painting was later acquired by the Royal Bath and West of England Society of Arts, and it is now part of their permanent collection. It is a powerful reminder of the role that art can play in providing solace and inspiration, even in the midst of war. The Madonna of Montauban is not only a beautiful work of art, but also a significant historical artifact that tells the story of a bygone era and the brave men and women who lived through it. This painting, with its intriguing history and thought-provoking imagery, continues to captivate and inspire viewers, reminding us of the enduring power of art and the human spirit.
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