Peter Ellenshaw (American, 1913-2007). In Their Glory, 1991-99. Oil on canvas. 48 x 66 inches (121.9 x 167.6 cm). Signed...

Description

Peter Ellenshaw (American, 1913-2007)
In Their Glory, 1991-99
Oil on canvas
48 x 66 inches (121.9 x 167.6 cm)
Signed and dated lower left: Peter Ellenshaw 2000
Signed and dated on the reverse: Peter Ellenshaw / 2000; with artist's stamp

Property from the Peter and Harrison Ellenshaw Family Archive

"We all feel a great sadness over the events of September 11, and our sense of loss will not soon abate. Let us always remember all who suffered and honor their sacrifices through our deeds."
~ Peter Ellenshaw (1913-2007)

Throughout his seventy-year career, Peter Ellenshaw blurred the lines between fine and commercial art. Whether in film or in the arena of fine art, Ellenshaw was incredibly skilled in capturing a moment, tone, and feeling with his paint brush. As a longtime film maker, Ellenshaw's clients included Walt Disney, Stanley Kubrick, George Lucas, Michael Powell and W. Percy Day. He was an Academy Award winning special effects artist, a motion picture production designer, a concept illustrator and an official 'Disney Legend.' In tandem with his successful commercial art career, Peter Ellenshaw was represented by the prestigious Hammer Galleries in New York. At Hammer, Ellenshaw found great popularity and success with his landscape paintings-from his iconic sweeping Californian seascapes, to his dramatic interpretations of Irish cliffs to the idyllic peace found in Monet's gardens.

First created in 1991, In Their Glory celebrates New York City's skyline. However, the artist was reworked the painting by illuminating the iconic image with fireworks for the Millennium Celebration in 1999. Here, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center take center stage, as Lady Liberty shines her torch proudly in the foreground. The message in this painting is clear: It is often during our nation's darkest hours that our spirit shines the brightest.

In response to the terrorist attacks in 2001, the artist published 10,911 limited edition prints of In Their Glory. The edition quickly sold out, with all proceeds benefiting the Uniformed Firefighters Association Widows and Children's Fund to aid the families of firefighters lost on September 11, 2001.


More information about Peter Ellenshaw. See also: Ellenshaw, Peter Artist.

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