John Harwood: Victoria Cross

Artist: John Harwood
1954 -
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1989
Image Size: 7.5 by 5.875 inches
Overall Size: 20 by 14.5 inches
Medium: Airbrush Paint on Line's & Airbrush Board

The bronze Victoria Cross on its red ribbon -- not only one of England's most beautiful military decorations, but also Britain's highest award -- owes much to the influence of its namesake, Queen Victoria, and her consort, Prince Albert. The royal pair's contributions to the Cross included the designation of its motto -- "For Valour" -- upon the award's creation. Though the Cross was not actually instituted until January 29, 1856, it was made retroactive to 1854 in order to honor acts of bravery performed during the Crimean War. Awarded to all ranks of the armed services for deeds of outstanding gallantry in the face of an enemy, only one thousand, three hundred and fifty of these coveted Crosses have been granted in the medal's one hundred-plus year history. Although many of these awards are made posthumously, many living war heroes have accepted the award and three recipients have gone on to take further honors -- holders of the revered decoration receive an additional bar for each subsequent action which merits another Victoria Cross. On this beautiful Cross's obverse, a magnificent lion stands above a royal crown, underlined by a banner bearing the motto, "For Valour." The reverse of the medal's suspension bar shows the name, rank and unit of its recipient, while the reverse of the Cross itself is inscribed with the type of action for which the Cross was awarded.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Westminster Collectors Society 20P Victoria Cross stamp issued September 11, 1990.

Artwork Copyright © 1989 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB12274

US$ Price: $1,575.00

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