Tribute to Erich Lowenhardt by Ivan Berryman. (P)

Erich Lowenhardt was one of the most famous German Aces of World War One. A rival of the likes of Ernst Udet and Lothar von Richthofen in number of victories, he racked up an impressive 54 victories before his death in August 1918, caused by a failed parachute when he bailed out after a collision. He is depicted here, not in his final Fokker D.VII, but in an Albatros D.III, claiming one of his tally of 9 observation balloons - this one in May 1918. The fortunate balloon observer has managed to take to his parachute to escape this time, a measure the observers were often forced to employ by the German balloon busters.

Original painting, oil on canvas, by Ivan Berryman.

Size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm)