The Eagle and the Butterfly

by Russell Smith

Artist Fellow, American Society of Aviation Artist

League of World War One Aviation Historians

The Eagle and the Butterfly depicts the wounding of Manfred von Richthofen on July 6, 1917. During an attack on a flight of FE2d’s from 20Sq RFC, Richthofen singled out 1 machine - A6512 flown by Capt. Douglas Cunnell and Lt. Albert Woodbridge - and began to press his attack. Cunnell spotted Richthofen and turned the lumbering F.E.2 to face Richthofen head-on, tactically taking away Richthofens advantage. Rather than break off, however, Richthofen chose to maintain his calm and press the attack. At an estimated distance of 300 yards Woodbridge opened fire on Richthofen. According to his account of the battle, Woodbridge could see his bullets striking the barrels of Richthofens Spandaus. Somewhere within the 3-4 second span of his attack Richthofen was struck in the back of the head. Although his his skull was not penetrated, a single bullet had grazed his head from the rear (suggesting that the hit may have actually come from the friendly fire of one of his own men following him), blinding him and nearly knocking him unconscious. Cunnell and Woodbridge watched in amazement as Richthofens machine passed directly under them, turn over and fall out of control.

Richthofen survived this encounter, falling several thousand meters before regaining his senses and setting his Albatros down hard in in a pasture full of thistles. Badly wounded, however, Richthofen would not fly again until August 16.

My name is Russell Smith and I am the artist who created this image. I am a full time aviation artist, as well as a member of The League of WW1 Aviation Historians and the American Society of Aviation Artists.  Printed on acid free rag paper, the prints measure 26” x 15.5 (image area image area 22” x 11”). The edition consists of 250 prints, each of which I have personally signed and numbered. I have also remarqued this print with a small drawing of Richthofen’s crashed Albatros (shown).

(Copyright notice is not printed on actual image)

U.S. Flat Rate shipping (including APO-FPO):

Limited edition prints are shipped in a heavy duty tube via USPS Priority Mail.  $15.00 per order.

International shipping is available:

Canada: $20.00; all other International: $25.00.

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