The First Chief Controller, Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps in France, Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughan, CBE, DSC 1918

This 1918 portrait by Irish artist William Orpen depicts Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughan, the first chief controller of the Queen Mary's Army Auxiliary Corps in France during World War I. The painting captures Gwynne-Vaughan's stoic demeanor, with her gaze directed directly at the viewer, emphasizing her leadership and authority. Orpen's use of loose brushstrokes and muted colors adds a sense of realism and a touch of melancholy, reflecting the somber tone of the war era. The work is a powerful representation of female empowerment during wartime, acknowledging the significant contributions of women in the war effort.