Eclectic Collectibles! Closed (#16061313)

R.G. Smith 'Fire Fight'

• Robert G.Smith
• Signed: R.G Smith
• Print on Board
• Solid Wood Frame

The painting vividly portrays a River Patrol Boat (PBR) in action in the murky waters of the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War, an intense tableau of naval engagement. The PBR, with its stark silhouette set against the fiery glows of battle, emerges as a steadfast protagonist in the treacherous inland water patrols. Illuminated by the flashes of gunfire and explosions, the image captures the dramatic moment of confrontation where the crew, although outnumbered and outgunned, demonstrates their resilience and tactical prowess. This is a scene of combat where the very essence of the riverine warfare conducted by the U.S. Navy is encapsulated — a gritty, close-quarters battle fought by a small crew whose bravery was as crucial as the firepower they wielded.

In the background, the ominous sky, heavy with the threat of monsoon rains, adds a somber, almost apocalyptic quality to the scene, hinting at the relentless nature of the conflict that extended beyond the immediate skirmishes. The boat itself, cutting through the water with urgency, flags defiantly unfurled, speaks of a narrative where valor and duty propel these sailors forward despite the lurking dangers. The artist has not only captured a moment of action but has also conveyed the perpetual tension and vigilance that characterized the PBR missions — a daily reality for the 'Brown Water Navy' as they patrolled the dense network of rivers, canals, and swamps in a land far from their own.

Condition:
Fair, Finish Wear, Frame Scuffed, Scuff on Right of Art Panel

Size:
20.25" X 26.25"