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In their Gaspard biography, Forrest Fenn and Carleen Milburn wrote, “When World War I broke out in 1914, Gaspard enlisted in the Second Escadrille de Lyon of the French Aviation Corps. He was assigned to the forces aligned with Russia against the German Empire. As an aerial observer, he flew behind the lines to chart enemy positions. Flying was new to the world. It had been only ten years since the Wright brothers’ first successful flight, yet the World War I pilots flew with confidence in their air machines. With open cockpits and few instruments, they flew by the seat of their pants.

“When Gaspard wasn’t flying, he made oil sketches depicting the ravages of war - prisoners slogging through snowy streets, soldiers marching along muddy roads with guns at the ready, and peasants working in the fields. His scenes were not gruesome and bloody, as were many war paintings executed at that time. Instead they showed the bravery and camaraderie of the troops and the citizenry who stoically continued working their farms.”

PROVENANCE
Denver Art Gallery, Denver, Colorado, 1968
The Estate of Jack & Cally Vickers, Castle Pines, Colorado

Condition ReportSurface condition is very good. Several faint hairline cracks in snow.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders; such statements are educated opinions and should not be regarded as facts. The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has no responsibility for any errors or omissions.