The Western Front: Paintings from the Air

Wartime Air Painting 1: "War in the Air" by C.R.W. Nevinson

Although painted by a British artist named C.R.W. Nevinson, this painting is proudly Canadian.

This painting is meant to depict Canadian flying ace W.A. (Billy) Bishop combatting 3 enemy aircrafts in an aerial dogfight. Bishop’s famous Nieuport 17 fighter can be identified by the blue, white, and red Royal Air Force insignia on each wing. The swirling chaos of the sky is meant to convey the reality of aerial combat during WWI.

Billy Bishop remains Canada’s most famous flying ace. Fighter pilots were awarded the title of “ace” after shooting down 5 or more enemy aircraft. Throughout WWI, Bishop shot down 72 enemy aircraft; this was one of the highest numbers of kills on the entire allied side. The only fighter pilots to top Bishop’s record were two Germans, one of them being the famous “Red Baron” [1]. 

The chaotic nature of fighting in the air during WWI required pilots to operate their mounted guns, in Bishop’s case this was a Lewis gun, while their entire upper body remained exposed and unprotected from the violent winds and bullets of enemy aircraft. Pilots could not even rely on the safety of seatbelts or parachutes because their planes were not equipped with any [2]. 

Bishop was from Owen Sound, Ontario, and attended the Royal Military College before leaving in 1915 to fight in the war. Just two years later, in 1917, Bishop was awarded the Victoria Cross for his valour and bravery [3].

This painting serves as an example of the historical importance of war art. Not only does war art depict wartime scenes, but it also tells the story of real-life individuals who served in the war effort. Whether on the homefront or in the air, war art enshrines the Canadian wartime experience in visual memory. 

Wartime Air Painting 2: Crashed Curtiss JN-4 Aircraft by Francis Hans Johnston

Canadian painter Francis Hans Johnston was commissioned by the Canadian War Memorials Fund in the summer of 1918. While painting for the fund, Johnston remained on the homefront to focus on the Ontario Royal Canadian Air Force training grounds. Johnston sketched scenes from training practices and later turned them into paintings [4]. In this painting, Johnston captured an image of a downed training aircraft. Unfortunately, scenes of downed aircraft were a common reality both on the training field and the battlefield. 

The Curtiss JN-4 was the most common training aircraft used throughout WWI. In order to distinguish the Canadian model from its American allies, the training aircraft was dubbed the “Canuck.” The Curtiss JN-4 was cheap to produce and its structure allowed for easy control which was ideal for training purposes. These training aircraft played a critical role in the war effort because they prepared RAF members for the speed and dangers of aerial warfare [5]. This was particularly important given that WWI marked the first time aircraft were used on a mass scale for a major military conflict. The use of aircraft in battle effectively changed the nature of warfare forever.    

Like several other artists highlighted in this exhibit, Francis Hans Johnston would go on to become a member of Canada’s famous Group of Seven. For many wartime artists, the War Memorials Fund helped to kickstart artistic careers.

Comparing and Contrasting Both Wartime Air Paintings: 

These two paintings highlight the contrast between success and failure in the air. Nevinson’s painting depicts one of Canada’s best-known war heroes who succeeded at one of the most difficult tasks possible; that being the manoeuvring of an aircraft while simultaneously shooting down enemies. On the other hand, Johnston’s work highlights the common reality and dangers of flying. Given that the two training pilots survived the crash, Johnston’s image also suggests the need for practice in order to achieve success.