my latest find: a 1938 painting signed G. Couture. This is a French navy Commandant with more medals that one can dream of. I see the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, the combattant cross, the War cross with Palms and two stars (citations) the WWI commemoration medal, the WW1 interallied victory cross, the Silezia occupation expeditionnary corps medal, the Tunesian Bey (Nichan Ifitar) , two Annan crosses and one not identified (the blue and white ribbon with cross). What a curciculum ! I don't know who the man is. I suppose he ended in the HQ .
I am . I would need to find out who were the Legion of Honor recipients among senior navy officers in the 1930s. He was also a WW1 vet and not so many served in Silesia in 1921 (especially sailors! ) . Another lead would be the painter . Most likely he was (re)called for service in 1939-1940 and must have retired or ended up pow after the Battle of France.
What a great find. War by it's nature is full of tragedy. what happened to the French fleet and many of it's sailors was one. I hope you discover more information on this well decorated man. Silesia is certainly an incentive.!
I like to think he survived and was painted when he retired. I like the quality of the painting above all. For instance look at the quality of the details and note the checkered background which makes one think it was almost made with a woven basket.
