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From the ruins, death and devastation of war the figure of "Arts", in the form of a woman, rises up, holding a sprig of bay-leaves, a symbol of glory. A rainbow, perhaps representing hope, appears over the desolation.

Shannon, born in Quarrington, Licolnshire, is best known for his figure and portrait paintings, yet also worked as a lithographer and illustrator. From 1882 he studied wood engraving at Lambeth School of Art, where he met his lifelong partner Charles Ricketts, whom he founded and edited 'The Dial' magazine and Vale Press with. In 1929 he became incapacitated after a fall from a ladder, ending his successful career.

This work forms part of the portfolio 'The Great War: Britain's Efforts and Ideals' series of 66 lithographic prints commissioned by the Ministry of Information in 1917. The series provide a broad and fascinating representation of Britain's war objectives, military activities and effort on the Home Front.