All alone on page 313 of this spectacular book, a tattered but heroic flag flies in a painting of an icy wasteland. It is a remarkable picture for two reasons: first, because it was done by the Arctic explorer Edmund Wilson in 1912, when he and Captain Scott learnt from that very flag that the Norwegian Amundsen had reached the South Pole before them; and second, because it is a hauntingly beautiful work of art.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 3 months of digital access, absolutely free
Subscribe to The Spectator Australia today to get the next 3 months of unlimited website and app access for free.
- Full access to spectator.com.au and spectator.co.uk
- The Spectator Australia app, on Apple and Android
- Podcasts and newsletters, including Morning Double Shot
- Our archive, going back to 1828
Or
Unlock this article
You might disagree with half of it, but you’ll enjoy reading all of it. Try your first month for free, then just $2 a week for the remainder of your first year.
Comments
Get 3 months of digital access, absolutely free
Join the conversation with other Spectator Australia readers. Subscribe to leave a comment.
CLAIM OFFER 3 months freeAlready a subscriber? Log in