STORY BEHIND THE ARTWORK

"Operation Zitronella" by Artist Craig Tinder

Now available in two exclusive formats: a 30"x20" Hardwood Framed Canvas Edition - Limited to Only 20 and an 18"x12" Canvas (Framed or Unframed) - Limited to Only 30. Each art piece includes an AUTHENTIC RELIC, Certificate of Authenticity, and is hand-signed by the Artist. Quantities are extremely limited—Once They're Sold Out, They're Gone!

This Limited Edition Fine Art Print autographed by Artist Craig Tinder depicts the "Lonely Queen of the North" - the German Battleship Tirpitz on her raid on the Svalbard Archipelago on 8 September 1943.

The Story Behind the Print:

8 September 1943 - The German battleships Tirpitz and Scharnhorst launched a raid on the Allied-occupied Svalbard Archipelago in the Arctic. This operation, codenamed Zitronella, aimed to disrupt the Allies’ infrastructure and resources in the region while showcasing the remaining power of Germany’s surface fleet. The raid was one of the few occasions where the Tirpitz—the heaviest battleship ever built by a European navy—was used in an offensive role during World War II. Often referred to as the "Lonely Queen of the North," the Tirpitz spent much of the war as a strategic threat, being primarily stationed in Norwegian fjords to counter any potential Allied naval movements.

The attack on Svalbard inflicted significant damage on the infrastructure, including the destruction of radio stations, weather outposts, and coal mines. The raid, however, was strategically minor and served more as a symbolic gesture of Germany’s ability to project naval power into the Arctic rather than a decisive military success. Despite the destruction caused, the Tirpitz and Scharnhorst returned to their Norwegian bases without engaging in major combat.

The Tirpitz’s presence in Norway had a notable psychological impact on Allied naval planning, tying up resources and attention throughout the war. However, this raid on Svalbard would be the only offensive operation the Tirpitz ever carried out, as it remained largely inactive for the remainder of the war. Eventually, the Tirpitz was sunk by RAF Lancaster bombers in November 1944, ending her reign as the "Lonely Queen of the North."

Visit the Journal to read the full story!

Commissioned by Museums, Treasured by Collectors

This item is handmade by artist, Craig Tinder. Available to ship worldwide! 

ABOUT THE RELIC

The relic fragment included with this canvas originates from an aluminum duct piece recovered from the German Battleship Tirpitz. This item along with many others, were recovered in June 1974 by the British Sub-Aqua Club, an organization known for conducting historical and archaeological dives. The expedition's primary goal was to locate remnants of the X-5 midget submarine, one of six X-Craft used in the daring 1943 attack on the Tirpitz. Although the X-5 was not discovered during this mission, divers uncovered parts of the X-7 submarine, another participant in the attack, along with various relics from the Tirpitz itself.Tirpitz relic - aluminum duct fragment included with "Operation Zitronella" canvas

Among the rare artifacts recovered from the site were crockery, bottles, galley items, and various pieces of ducting. The fragment included with this art print originates from a piece of ductwork believed to be near the galley or an area within close proximity. These remnants provide a tangible connection to the history of the Tirpitz, a battleship that was ultimately sunk on 12 November 1944 by RAF Lancaster bombers using 12,000-pound "Tallboy" bombs. The massive destruction caused the ship to capsize in a Norwegian fjord, where it remained until its gradual dismantling between 1948 and 1957.

Relics from 1974 Tirpitz recovery expedition, including: (L to R) food tin, can opener, and the aluminum duct work used in the limited edition art piece

MATERIAL & DISPLAY

PREMIUM ALUMINUM

Our newest presentation format delivers exceptional color, contrast, and fine detail on a smooth gloss surface. The result has a luminous quality and clarity that is difficult to fully capture in photographs. Framed aluminum editions are finished in a solid black frame for a clean, contemporary presentation.

TRADITIONAL CANVAS

The original Aces In Action presentation features gallery-wrapped canvas, with framed editions presented in our traditional black floater frame. Canvas offers a classic, textured fine-art presentation and remains available on select Relic Artwork editions while inventory lasts.

AVAILABLE SIZES & FORMATS

  • 18" × 12" (45.7 × 30.5 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; available framed or unframed
  • 30" × 20" (76.2 × 50.8 cm) — Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed
  • 36" × 12" (91.4 × 30.5 cm) — Panoramic Premium Aluminum or Canvas; framed on select artwork

READY TO HANG

Every Relic Artwork edition arrives ready to hang. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed. No additional framing or mounting is required before display.

ABOUT CRAIG TINDER

Craig Tinder is an artist and historical researcher whose work brings significant moments in military and aviation history to life. For more than 20 years, he has combined detailed research with traditional and digital illustration techniques to create historically accurate artwork for collectors, veterans, museums, and historical organizations.

Craig has been commissioned to create artwork, installations, and memorial projects for museums, military organizations, and historical institutions throughout the United States. His work is held in museum and private collections around the world, reflecting a career built around historical accuracy, craftsmanship, and preserving the stories behind the subjects he depicts.

Every Aces In Action artwork is created by Craig Tinder, making Aces In Action the official home of his historical artwork and collectibles.

Meet Craig Tinder →

SHIPPING & CARE

SHIPPING

Each Relic Artwork edition is individually handcrafted and completed by Craig Tinder. From engraving and assembling the Artifact Dock to preparing the relic, framing the artwork when selected, and completing the final inspection and packaging, every piece is finished specifically for its collector. Please allow additional time for this hands-on process before your artwork ships.

Gift wrapping is available for Relic Artwork, making it ready for presentation upon arrival.

DISPLAY & CARE

All Relic Artwork arrives ready to display. Unframed 18" × 12" editions include a rear wall-mount bracket, while framed editions arrive with hanging hardware installed.

Premium Relic Artwork editions are designed for long-term display. Keep artwork away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and extreme temperature changes. Dust gently with a clean, soft, dry cloth and avoid household cleaners or abrasive materials on the artwork, frame, relic, or Artifact Dock.

THE RELIC ARTWORK EXPERIENCE

Authentic History

Each edition incorporates an authentic historical relic, presented on a custom laser-engraved Artifact Dock with details connecting the artifact to its history.

Handmade by Craig Tinder

Every Relic Artwork edition is assembled in Craig's studio, where it is signed, numbered, crafted, inspected, and prepared for its collector.

Made for Collectors

From the Certificate of Authenticity to the finished presentation, each detail is designed to create a collectible that preserves a tangible connection to history.