WHERE STORM CLOUDS GATHER
by Anthony Saunders

PART OF THE EAGLES OF THE REICH PORTFOLIO

Part of a stunning pair of Limited Edition prints featuring Messerschmitt Bf109s - The Luftwaffe's most famous fighter. Available individually or as a matching-numbered pair whilst stocks allow!

When the prototype of Willy Messerschmitt's radical all-metal single-seat monoplane fighter first took to the air in May 1935 little did onlookers realise they were witnessing the birth of one of the world's most iconic aircraft.

Sporting sleek lines, a closed cockpit and retractable landing gear the Bf109 was soon wowing the crowds at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, an ominous prelude to its worth in battle after its introduction into service with Germany's Condor Legion in the Spanish Civil War the following year. It was clear to friend and foe alike that this agile, well-armed little fighter was superior to anything else in the skies and by the outbreak of World War II the Bf109 formed the backbone of Hitler's new Luftwaffe. With battle-hardened pilots well-prepared for success in Poland, the Low Countries and France, they were now ready to duel with RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain.

Bf109s also served in the Balkans campaign, they flew against the Soviets on the bitter Eastern Front and fought in the searing heat of the North African desert before being pressed into service defending the Reich from the US Eighth Air Force's massive daylight bomber formations. On every front over occupied Europe, Allied pilots would invariably encounter the Bf109 - one of the few aircraft to see front-line service throughout the war.

Continuously improved and upgraded more Bf109s were produced than any other military aircraft in history, with one exception, the Soviet's Il-2 Sturmovik. The much-feared fighter was flown by the highest scoring Aces of all time - men such as top-scorer Erich Hartmann (credited with 352 aerial victories), Gerhard Barkhorn (301 victories), Gunther Rall (275 victories) and the highest-scoring ace in North Africa, Hans-Joachim Marseille (158 victories).

In this striking pair of prints Anthony Saunders pays tribute to this now legendary and iconic aircraft. The first, UP AMONGST EAGLES, portrays a magical scene in the Bavarian Alps during the winter of 1943 where, passing low over the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, the Bf109 pilots of 7./JG3 are led by their Gruppenkommandeur, Major Walther Dahl.

In the second piece, WHERE STORM CLOUDS GATHER, the artist again draws upon his considerable talents to portray the Bf109s of JG4, one of the many Luftwaffe units that took part in the German Ardennes offensive that began in December 1944. In the foreground is Hauptmann Ernst Laube, Gruppenkommandeur of IV./JG4, seen leading his men along that part of the Mosel river dominated by the seemingly unscathed Cochem Castle. They are returning to base after a hard-fought encounter in which, outnumbered by Allied fighters, they are relieved to have survived yet another day.

Each Print: Overall Size: 26 1/4" x 19 1/4"
Image Size: 20 3/4" x 12 3/4"

Each print is hand-numbered and personally signed by the artist Anthony Saunders.

THE REMARQUE EDITIONS

Widely considered as some of the best and largest in the industry, Anthony's unique pencil remarques are individually created in the lower margin of the print. The first edition, consisting of 15 single sized remarques, are a perfect way to collect original art.


THE DOUBLE REMARQUES

Created specially for the serious collector, these dramatic pieces are much bigger than a standard remarque and exclusively restricted to just 10 copies worldwide. The demand for these superb creations is such that we urge collectors to reserve their remarques early to avoid disappointment.


GICLÉE STUDIO PROOF

Using the most sophisticated digital Giclée technology, each Studio Proof is printed directly on to fine canvas creating a stunning piece which has all the look and feel of an original painting. Fully authorised, stamped on the back, hand numbered and titled, each canvas proof is supplied pre-stretched ready to simply drop into a frame of your choice.

Overall stretched canvas size: 36" wide x 24" high




Released as a pair with UP AMONGST EAGLES - each print is available individually or as a matching-numbered pair whilst stocks allow.

THE LIMITED EDITION
US $105.00 UK £75.00
Edition Size - 275
 In Stock
THE ARTIST PROOFS
US $160.00 UK £115.00
Edition Size - 25
 In Stock
THE LIMITED EDITION PURCHASED AS A PAIR
US $175.00 UK £125.00
Edition Size - 275
 In Stock
THE ARTIST PROOFS PURCHASED AS A PAIR
US $250.00 UK £180.00
Edition Size - 25
 In Stock
THE REMARQUES
US $545.00 UK £395.00
Edition Size - 15
 In Stock
THE GICLEE STUDIO PROOFS
US $595.00 UK £395.00
Edition Size - 75
 In Stock
THE DOUBLE REMARQUES (subject to availability)
US $875.00 UK £625.00
Edition Size - 10
 In Stock
THE REMARQUES PURCHASED AS A PAIR
US $945.00 UK £675.00
Edition Size - 15
 In Stock
THE DOUBLE REMARQUES PURCHASED AS A PAIR
US $1535.00 UK £1095.00
Edition Size - 10
 In Stock