This is a surrealist painting by John Tunnard, who embraced British surrealism and was influenced by Herbert Read’s book, “Surrealism.” Read also wrote poetry. WWII had been underway for nearly five years when this painting was created, and its dark atmosphere is reminiscent of the dissenting response from artists and writers. “We’ll Meet Again,” sung by Vara Lynn, is one of the most well known songs of WWII and represents the sentiment of those whose loved ones were sent to the battlefield.
“But when they reached the burial place
the snow had ceased
and the winter sun
sinking red
disdained the level glittering plain.
A river of glowing light
poured into the open grave
all the light in the world
sank with his coffin
into the Russian earth.”
-Herbert Read, The Death of Kropotkin
John Tunnard (1901-1971), Last Day (1944)
Tags: Surrealism, War
