Ypres in the First World War – Original Oil Painting on Board, Sea of Red Poppies, WW1 Remembrance Art

An original painting inspired by the ruins of Ypres during the First World War.

A devastated landscape, a ghostly skyline and a sea of vivid red poppies come together in this expressive original oil painting. Above the shattered buildings, a biplane crosses the darkened sky, a reminder of the conflict that transformed this once-living town into a landscape of destruction.

The brilliant red foreground is deliberately unsettling. The poppies appear almost like a river of blood cutting through the broken ground, creating a powerful contrast with the cold turquoise, charcoal and grey tones of the surrounding landscape. In the distance, the pale ruins stand against a turbulent sky, fragile but enduring.

Painted in oils on board, the work uses bold brushwork, rich colour and textured layers of paint to convey the devastation of war and the enduring symbolism of remembrance.

This is not intended as a literal historical record, but as a personal artistic response to the landscapes of the Western Front and the enormous human cost of the First World War.

Artwork details

● Artist: Matt Emery

● Subject: Ypres, Belgium, during the First World War

● Medium: Oil paint on board

● Size: 32 × 24 inches (approximately 81 × 61 cm)

● Type: Original, one-of-a-kind artwork

● Style: Expressive, contemporary, painterly

● Condition: Please see photographs and contact me if you require further details

● Framing: Please check the listing options or contact me for confirmation

A meaningful piece of remembrance art

This painting would make a striking addition to a collection of military history, First World War or remembrance artwork. It may appeal to collectors of contemporary military art, those with an interest in the Western Front, or anyone drawn to paintings that explore the human consequences of conflict.

The poppy is an enduring symbol of remembrance, but here its familiar red carries a darker meaning: the beauty of the flower set against the terrible price of war.

Each brushstroke is a reminder of a landscape shaped by conflict, and of the lives forever connected to it.

Painted by Matt Emery, a British artist whose work explores military history, landscapes and the human experience.

An original painting, created by hand and available as a unique artwork.

Please note: Colours may vary slightly depending on your screen. The painting is sold as the original artwork; any display accessories are not included.