Avaition Art

Description

Michael Sharpe’s Aviation Art is far more than a conventional aviation history book—it is, at its core, a visual celebration of air combat and the artists who have brought these dramatic moments to life. First published in the late 1990s, the book presents over 150 colour plates spanning the history of powered flight, with a strong emphasis on the Second World War. ()

For collectors and enthusiasts, the real strength of this volume lies in its artwork. Sharpe curates a diverse range of styles—from highly detailed, almost photographic realism to more impressionistic depictions—each capturing not just the aircraft, but the atmosphere and tension of aerial warfare.

The German section is particularly striking. One standout piece depicts Hans-Ulrich Rudel’s Ju 87 Stuka, rendered with a sense of brutal purpose as it descends toward its target. The artist captures the angular menace of the aircraft alongside the psychological intensity of dive-bombing—arguably one of the most iconic and terrifying tactics of the war.

Equally compelling is the artwork featuring the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world’s first operational jet fighter. Here, the contrast between sleek technological advancement and the chaos of late-war skies is beautifully realised. The jet is often shown cutting through cloud or streaking past piston-engined opponents, symbolising the dawn of a new era in aerial combat.

Another highlight is the depiction of a fighter wing from Jagdgeschwader 26, famously led by Adolf Galland. These paintings typically show tight formations of Fw 190s or Bf 109s, often set against dramatic European skies. The compositions emphasise discipline, power, and cohesion, giving a sense of the Luftwaffe at its peak effectiveness.

Perhaps the most visually arresting image in the book, however, is a close-up painting of a pair of Stukas in full dive. This piece stands out for its immediacy—the viewer is placed almost directly alongside the aircraft as they plunge earthward. The detail in the airframes, combined with the sense of speed and vertical motion, creates a genuinely cinematic effect. It is one of those rare aviation artworks that conveys not just what happened, but what it felt like.

Sharpe supports each painting with concise accompanying text, offering context on the aircraft, pilots, and historical setting. While the written content is informative, it remains secondary to the visuals—this is very much a gallery-style book rather than a deep technical study. ()

Overall Verdict

Aviation Art succeeds as both an art collection and a historical overview. For militaria collectors and aviation enthusiasts alike, it offers a superb visual reference, particularly for those interested in WWII aircraft and their portrayal in art. The Luftwaffe subjects—especially the Stuka and Me 262 pieces—are among the most memorable in the volume.

Rating: 8.5/10
A beautifully presented and highly evocative collection—ideal for collectors who appreciate the artistic side of aviation history as much as the machines themselves.

 

AMAZON PRICE  £95  for new £54 for used! 

OUR PRICE £25 NEW

 

At this price you could cut out the German aircraft for framing and throw the rest of the book away.