A Christmas Leave

The American Homefront Series, an episodic look at home life during World War II, comprises some of artist William S. Phillips’ most popular and sought-after works. In this Anniversary Edition of "A Christmas Leave, When Dreams Come True," it’s 1943 and the young soldier from the first painting, "If Only in My Dreams," is home on leave. “This is one of the fortunate few who got a Christmas leave during World War II,” says the artist. “I wanted a more peaceful feeling in this painting, so the soldier is driving into the sunset. The colors are warmer and the mood is more festive.” There are still shadows on the horizon but the path to victory seems clear. Look closely at each painting in the Homefront Series to find a plane in the sky. The DC-3 in this painting (known in its wartime version as a C-47) is now a passenger airliner. The dog that waited patiently for his master’s return sits beside his owner on the way to a family reunion, to play cards with the boys or maybe to visit his girl. Tonight on the radio they might even hear, “When Dreams Come True,” immortalized by Count Basie and his Orchestra.