Up for sale is an absolutely breath taking oil painting by the talented Marine painter Gordon Janesky depicting the iconic 20th century photograph by Joe Rosenthal the “Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima”. Executed in oil on board, this photo realistic painting is jaw dropping from its stunning level of detail to the perfectly captured atmosphere and color palette of the vibrant United States flag being lifted into the soft blue sky. An engraved plate sits below the image reads “Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima - February 23, 1945 - Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue” the famous quote attributed to Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz in regards to the men who fought the bloody battle.

Measuring 26 x 33.5 inches this work remains in its original oak frame measuring 31.75 x 39.25 inches and bears all its original labels verso, placed by Janesky. A wonderful write up was found on a forum board regarding Gordon and this specific painting adding great context to the work which can be read below. The condition of this painting is excellent showing light wear to its frame and minimal imperfections to the painting including minimal surface abrasions. A true standout, this work stands in a league of its own making it a rare and fine example. The images provided accurately represent the quality, condition and aesthetic beauty of this stunning painting of the Marines raising the American flag on the island of Iwo Jima but if you have any questions please feel free to ask prior to purchasing!

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“ORANGE CITY -- The iconic 1945 photograph of the flag-raising on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima may be the greatest symbol of what the U.S. Marine Corps means to veterans of the corps. No doubt it will be seen many times when Marines worldwide celebrate the Nov. 10 birthday of the Corps by paying homage to its history, traditions and symbols. It is a symbol that Orange City artist Gordon Janesky has long wanted to recreate. Inspired by a supervisor who had served during World War II, Janesky 73, joined the Marines in 1954, to fulfill the mandatory service requirements of the day. As a peacetime recruit, Janesky saw no action like the five Marines and a Navy corpsman memorialized in Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize-winning photo. Still, Janesky -- 'Once a Marine, always a Marine" -- always knew he wanted to do something to honor the memory of those who grappled with the flag as the battle raged on, and to help present-day Marine families who might be facing their own battles. So the former corporal thought the occasion of the 232nd birthday of the Marine Corps would be the perfect opportunity to contribute a painting to a group of local Marines. Janesky, who said he trained at art schools in New York City, and worked for a time as an illustrator until starting a 30-year career as a draftsman, figured someone who treasured the Marines' history might want to own a quality painting of the famous photograph. But until the fine details were worked out, Janesky sketched and painted, over a two-and-a-half-week period, his version of one of the most reproduced war photos ever. For his canvas, Janesky prepared a hard board by applying several coats of primer and polyurethane, sanding between coats to provide a smooth finish for his vision. The background was next. Janesky said he used some artistic license for the clouds. Rosenthal's photo does not show much definition or shading in the background. And for the cropping of volcanic rock, Janesky tried to incorporate as much texture as he could. To give the painting a hint of action not seen in the photograph, Janesky added a touch of smoke rising from the pile of rubble. Although Marines had taken Mount Suribachi, fierce skirmishes would continue to rage on the tiny island for 31 more days. Thousands if Marines lost their lives on the island, including some of the Marines in Rosenthal's photo. On the back of Janesky's painting, he has included a map of Iwo Jima, showing the placement of the Japanese artillery emplacements, and brief biographies of the six men who are depicted in the painting. Janesky, who said he worked for a time in New York for the illustrator Arthur Lidov, has created other paintings and sculptures, but none so personally meaningful as this.”

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