Evoluzioni Spiraliche di Aerei [Spiralling Evolutions of Aeroplanes] by Enrico Castello ('Chin'), oil on canvas

In 1916 Italian Futurist painter Enrico Castello, otherwise known as 'Chin', represented this vibrant, abstract representation of flight, inspired by his experiences as a fighter pilot in the First World War. Celebrating the dynamism of speed and technology, he made this painting two years before the end of the war when the Futurist movement - founded by poet Filippo Marinetti in 1909 - underwent a revival known as the Second Futurism.

After the war, Italy suffered political and economic disorder. Emergent Fascist organisations gained support from disillusioned ex-servicemen, among them Futurist artists. Marinetti co-opted the 'Second Futurism' into the Fascist doctrine, celebrating 'revolutionary nationalism'. During the interwar period, Aeropittura (aerial painting), a militaristic branch of Futurism, became emblematic of Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party. Purchased from Michael Parkin Fine Art, 1977. Artist copyright: the copyright holder. Image copyright: RAF Museum.