Historical information

The original artwork painted by William Yates Holt Titcomb (1858-1930), an English artist specialist in religious subjects, is located in Clifton College Chapel, Bristol, England (visible in their virtual tour online).

The original title draws on the Giving of Communion words:

The body of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which was given for you,
preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life.
Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you,
and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.

The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which was shed for you,
preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life.
Drink this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for you,
and be thankful.

The body of Christ.
The blood of Christ.

The body of Christ keep you in eternal life.
The blood of Christ keep you in eternal life.

The body of Christ, broken for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.

The bread of heaven in Christ Jesus.
The cup of life in Christ Jesus.

Physical description

Reproduction ( Lithograph?) framed mounted and glazed print.

The image shows a group of soldiers kneeling before a makeshift altar during World War One in Flanders field with a Red Cross flying on a flag pole at the far right of the composition. A Union Jack flag is being used as an improvised altar cloth. A priest or chaplain in a surplice, also a soldier , administers the sacrament to the reverent congregation. The print is glazed with a substantial window mount and housed in a dark wood frame with eyelet screws and very rusted hanging wire.

Inscriptions & markings

Preserve Thy Body + Soul