Sep 1, 2023 - News

Churchill painting holds a Miami surprise

Deirdra Funcheon

A painting of Biscayne bay in Miami and a city in the distance — Winston Churchill's painting will now be called "A View of Miami at Sunset." Photo: Courtesy of America's National Churchill Museum

Experts say "Distant View of Venice," a painting by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, actually depicts Miami Beach — not Italy, as previously believed.

What's happening: Researcher Paul Rafferty realized the work was painted while Churchill was staying on North Bay Road in 1946.

Why it matters: Churchill was here preparing a famous speech anticipating the Cold War, warning that even though World War II had ended, an "Iron Curtain" could descend across Europe.

Details: Representatives of America's National Churchill Museum, located at Westminster College in Missouri, took photos from the site in August and confirmed Rafferty's findings.

Of note: Another painting Churchill made on his Miami trip sold for £192,000 at auction in 2016.

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Churchill painting holds a Miami surprise

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