Paul Calle (American, 1928 - 2010) and Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Battle of Verdun Defines the Savagery of War" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 60c Battle of Verdun Defines the Savagery of War stamp issued October 15, 1997. The carnage of war has been a major blot on the 20th century, sometimes dimming the glory of mankind's great achievements. The Battle of Verdun, one of the most devastating engagements of World War I, epitomized the horror and destruction of war. On February 21, 1916, the German army began shelling the French city of Verdun and its surrounding fortresses. Advancing along a 20-mile front with little opposition for four days, the Germans captured Fort Douaumont. At this crucial juncture, French reinforcements arrived. General Henri Petain took command and managed to slow the German advance by several French counterattacks. The savage fighting lasted until July and both armies suffered hundreds of thousands of casualties. Image Size: 10 x 13.5 in. Overall Size: 15.5 x 22.25 in. Unframed. (B15769 / B15770)