Art Collections Online
The Restoration of Serbia
MOIRA, Gerald (1867 - 1959)
The Restoration of Serbia - Gerald Moira
Date: 1917
Media: lithograph on paper
Acquired: 1919; Presented by Ministry of Information
Accession Number: NMW A 13159
Collection: The Great War: Britain's Efforts and Ideals
Austria-Hungary invaded Serbia at the outset of the First World War. Fighting raged throughout the campaign and Serbia suffered great losses. This image shows the country being rebuilt. An enormous sculptured head is being erected. The metal supports create strong diagonal lines across the image. The crowd wear vibrant, traditional Serbian costumes.
Moira was born in London to Portuguese parents. He is best known for his murals paintings. He also worked as a painter of landscapes and figures, and a lithographer. He studied at the Royal Academy Schools and further in Paris, exhibiting from 1891. He was a founding member of the National Portrait Society in 1911, and was principle of Edinburgh College of Art from 1924-1932.