Statesmen of World War I

It was commissioned by South African financier Sir Abraham Bailey, 1st Baronet to commemorate the politicians and statesmen of Britain and its Dominions who held office during the First World War.

After a delay caused by Guthrie's illness, the work was first exhibited at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh in early 1930.

The subjects are depicted as if in conference around a table in a large hall, in the shadow of a sculpture based on the Winged Victory of Samothrace, with Doric columns to either side and a coffered vault above.

The individuals depicted are, from left to right, starting with those seated on the left side of the table: Standing behind Lloyd George are: Behind Churchill are: To their right are: Bailey decided that the painting should include British and Dominion civilian leaders in office at the beginning and the end of the First World War.

The Maharaja of Bikaner, a member of the Imperial War Cabinet and the Indian delegate to the Versailles Peace Conference, stands to the left next to Botha, both in military uniform.