Why this moment is significant: The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, initiated by Lt. Commander Kakuichi Takahashi, was arguably the single most significant event in modern American History. "Pearl Harbor 0755 ... While the Giant Slept" symbolizes the moment of transition between how America was and how it is today.
This limited edition print focuses on the seconds before the attack as Lt. Commander Takahashis Aichi D3A1 Type 99 "Val" Dive bomber rolls in on Hangar 6 on the southern tip of Ford Island. By accident, Takahashi was the first to drop his ordnance because of a mistake in interpreting the signal flares beginning the attack. Takahashis bomb struck the waters edge in front of hangar 6 located at the bottom this depiction of Ford island. Battleship Row is seen in serene repose in the last moments before the Japanese wreak havoc and devastation on the unsuspecting American sailors.
"By way of his superb artistic ability, and his zeal for historical accuracy, Dru Blair has provided us with a window into the past, a magnificent glimpse of America's last instant of peace before her entry into the Pacific War." J. Michael Wenger, Co-author of "The Way It Was: Pearl Harbor. The Original Photographs". "I've just done a wingover right behind Takahashi. It was that real." David Aiken - Director, Pearl Harbor Historical Association, upon viewing the painting. The amount of detail in this painting is supassed only by its attention toward accuracy. Noted experts as well as thousands of Pearl Harbor survivors were consulted at lengthon the project and were very helpful with little known, yet important facts regarding the attack. The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association lent a great deal of support and advice, and attention to detail was incorporated down to the color of window sills and shrub placement. In addition, photographs and films taken by the Japanese during the raid were extensively reviewed.
Dru attended the ceremonies commemorating the 50th Aniversary at Pearl Harbor, where he conferred with thousands of survivors, eyewitnesses and historians. "After spending over two and a half years on research and speaking to over a thousand survivors, I was determined to be accurate down to the last bush and shrub." Dru Blair
Edition size is limited to 1941 Signed and Numbered Lithographs. Each Print is individually inspected and signed by the artist. A Certificate of Authenticity and a key map is offered.
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