Details
MUSTANGS OVER THE MEDITERRANEAN
by Nicolas Trudgian
Overall Print Size: 34" x 24"
Edition Size: 1250
Secondary Market
LAST ONE - DON't MISS THIS ONE!
To represent the P-51 pilots who flew combat in the Mediterranean theater, artist Nicolas Trudgian has chosen the distinctive Mustangs of the 31st Fighter Group. This famous Group served in Europe longer than any other during World War II.
Starting its combat career with the 8th Air Force equipped with Spitfires, it took part in the Dieppe raid in 1942. Moving to the 12th Air Force it took part in the invasion of North Africa, and the landings at Sicily and Anzio. The 31st Fighter Group transferred to the l5th Air Force in April 1944, re-equipped with P-51s, flying fighter escort duties from bases in Italy, and was heavily engaged in the Allies final offensive in Northern Italy. It was hard and dangerous flying, varying from full scale air combat to strafing airfields, trains, and armor at ground level, and little time to admire the beauty of the landscape of North and Western Italy. Occasionally a pilot could afford himself, in a fleeting moment, the luxury of a glance at the pretty villages and mountains of the Italian Riviera as he passed overhead, and all who did remember some of the most spectacular scenes in the whole of Europe.
"MUSTANGS OVER THE MEDITERRANEAN" captures a glimpse of such a moment as the pilots of the 31st Fighter Group pass low over a picturesque Italian fishing village, heading out on yet another combat patrol. A wonderful close-up study of the elegant P-51 Mustang shows off this superb fighter in every detail. With three other P-51s, the sleek fighters glint in the late afternoon sun as they head along one of the Mediterranean's magnificent coastlines. A wonderful aviation painting that merges the passive beauty of the Italian Riviera with the urgent business of war..
In addition to the artist this print is individually signed in pencil by FOUR Fighter Aces of the 15th Air Force, making this a superb picture for collectors who admire the incomparable beauty of flight:
- Captain JIM BROOKS
- Lt. Colonel BOB CURTIS
- Colonel BOB GOEBEL
- Lt. General GEORGE LOVING
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
