Brian Sanders (British, B. 1937) "Siege of Leningrad Lifted" Artists notes in margins. Original Oil painting on Canvas. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 52c Siege of Leningrad Lifted 1944 stamp issued January 27, 1994. Planning an eventual takeover of the Russian capital of Moscow, Adolf Hitler first ordered an invasion of Leningrad. In August 1941, after failing to take Leningrad by direct assault, Hitler's forces embarked upon the longest siege ever endured by a modern city. For 890 days, Russian troops and the citizens themselves valiantly defended Leningrad. A coordinated effort by all Russian forces in the north finally succeeded in pushing the Germans back. On January 27, 1944, Leningrad resounded with the sound of cannon fire signaling the departure of the German invaders and the end of a grueling battle which had taken the lives of thousands of soldiers. More than 800,000 civilians perished as well, including 600,000 deaths from starvation. Image Size: 13.5 x 16.25 in. Overall Size: 17.5 x 20.25 in. Unframed. (B14577)