John Harwood: Medals for Gallantry/George 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

Introduced at the height of World War II attacks on Great Britain in 1940 by its namesake, King George VI, the George Cross was designated for "acts of the greatest heroism or the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger." The beautiful silver George Cross hanging on its blue ribbon ranks second only to the Victoria Cross among Britain's medals of gallantry and is the United Kingdom's highest civilian decoration. The George Cross is most often granted to civilians for deeds of bravery during wartime, although technically it can also be bestowed on military personnel for acts for which military decorations are not usually awarded. This Cross has actually been awarded only one hundred and fifty two times since its inception, but George Crosses have also been exchanged for previously awarded Albert Medals, Edward Medals and Empire Gallantry Medals, honors which this Cross replaced. Thus, as a result of these exchanges, a total of three hundred and ninety-six names appear on the George Cross Roll of Honour, including that of the Mediterranean group of islands known as Malta, which received the Cross in 1942 in recognition of the gallantry of its citizens. The handsome George Cross' obverse depicts St. George slaying the dragon, encircled by it's motto, "For Gallantry." The reverse of the cross is inscribed with the recipient's name and the date of the award.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Westminster Collectors Society 20P George 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): XB12278

US$ Price: $1,575.00

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