Eric Ravilious (1903–1942) was an English painter, designer, illustrator, and wood engraver who studied at the Royal College of Art under Paul Nash. His work captured both rural and urban England, reflecting the distinctive sense of Englishness between the wars. Appointed an official war artist during World War II, Ravilious was tragically killed in 1942 at the age of 39 while on an air-sea rescue mission off Iceland.