DESCRIPTION: Fine original watercolor by listed artist and illustrator Hugh Laidman. It is one of seven works by the artist we are selling done during his service with the USMC as a combat artist. It is a portrait of world famous USMC WWII combat pilot James Swett. Swett was one of the Marine's best Aces with 15.5 credited victories, as well as a recipient of the Medal of Honor. This painting refers to his incredible feat of downing 7 enemy planes in one mission in the Guadalcanal campaign, and includes 7 small Japanese flags on his plane behind him. The watercolor is still attached to original mat with USMC paper tape, and has an original artists label, as well as one from the US Office of War Information. Laidman began his artistic career as a one of the first combat artists in the US Marine Corps. After WWII he became a well known illustrator who did dozens of covers for many major magazines and also had a popular nationally syndicated cartoon strip. TYPE: Art SUB TYPE: Painting REGION: United States SUB REGION: New York MEDIUM: Watercolor ARTIST/MAKER: Laidman, Hugh SIGNED/UNSIGNED: Signed DATE: 1943 INSIDE HEIGHT: 19.5 INSIDE WIDTH: 12.5 OUTSIDE HEIGHT: 27.5 OUTSIDE WIDTH: 19.5 OUTSIDE DEPTH:

Still mounted with USMC paper tape in it's original mat. Painting is excellent with very minimal age toning and vibrant colors. All of the Hugh Laidman works we are offering were well cared for and most likely stored in a portfolio for most if not all of their existence. We have provided excellent hi-res photos so you can judge condition for yourself.