Very Large First World War Era Painting of the Virgin & Christ Enthroned, With a Prayer for Peace. Dated 1916.

Remarkable large church painting relating to the First World War and dated 1916. Painted in oil on canvas and measuring 78½" wide x 64" tall. A Flandrian citizen in medieval dress carrying a long sword and a kneeling Bishop holding the six candles associated with the adoration of the Eucharist flank the Virgin and Christ enthroned. Christ holds the olive branch symbolising peace. All four figures are shown with halos. In the background stand the distinctive roofs and towers of the city of Bruges, note the silhouette of the city's famous belfry to the right of the Bishop. The scene is framed with architectural elements with leaf and fruit garlands painted in gold. At the top of the canvas are the heraldic shields of Flanders (blue and white with a red centre) and Bruges (blue lion against a red and white stripe) and the church. The text at the bottom of the canvas reads 'Oh sweet beloved Lady, our prayer pleads for Flanders. It is in distress and mourning...bring them freedom and peace'. Signed B Chielens and dated 1916 in the lower right hand corner. Very well painted with particularly sensitive treatment of the faces of all four figures.
Presented as found on the original stretcher with a simple wooden frame applied. Two old repairs to the canvas, away from the faces, otherwise very good condition.