120Cm X 120Cm. Oil On Board. On Board Of USS Missouri, Pearl Harbor. Phillip Carrero.
-“The seeds of the greatest naval battle of the Pacific war were not planted by U.S. Navy strategists, but rather by a larger-than-life Army general and the President of the United States.”-
-“Franklin Roosevelt had much work to do. Important work. And that was why this wartime president was on his way to Pearl Harbor in July 1944.Whether that work was strategic or political, only Roosevelt knew for certain. The official purpose of the journey was for the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy to meet with the two men running the war in the Pacific. But some claimed this trip was more politically motivated than strategically necessary, that Roosevelt had no need to confer directly with Nimitz and MacArthur, that he was jumping the chain of command by conferring with the two subordinate theater commanders, and that his real motivation was to be seen (and photographed) with General MacArthur. It was, after all, an election year, and just the day before his embarkation in the Baltimore, FDR had been nominated for an unprecedented fourth term as president.”-… and it continues on a well known yardage about the liberation of the Philippines, the Pacific and the war upon the peace treaty signage on that very ship.When I was shown the original photo I instantly recognized Mighty Mo. Who wouldn’t, but it surprised me because I had never been on board the Missouri … funny feeling.
I am happy with this painting, faithful, good rendering, real looking newspaper and relaxed smiling faces. Nimitz uniform is white without using pure white, a personal achievement on the day. MacArthur’s leather jacket and shiny shoes, the deck… each a challenge in it’s own right, yet no problems.
I love this kind of history painting, but can only do what I’m told, and paid to… do.