Art

The National Museum of American History is not an art museum. But works of art fill its collections and testify to the vital place of art in everyday American life. The ceramics collections hold hundreds of examples of American and European art glass and pottery. Fashion sketches, illustrations, and prints are part of the costume collections. Donations from ethnic and cultural communities include many homemade religious ornaments, paintings, and figures. The Harry T Peters "America on Stone" collection alone comprises some 1,700 color prints of scenes from the 1800s. The National Quilt Collection is art on fabric. And the tools of artists and artisans are part of the Museum's collections, too, in the form of printing plates, woodblock tools, photographic equipment, and potters' stamps, kilns, and wheels.

associated date
1917 - 1918
ID Number
AF.65938M
catalog number
65938M
accession number
232120
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Flagg, James Montgomery
ID Number
ZZ.RSN82616T18
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1915
ID Number
GA.12472.01
catalog number
12472
accession number
66548
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. The sketch depicts the edge of a wooded area, with timber fortifications in the center of the scene. Hills and small houses in the background.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. The sketch depicts the edge of a wooded area, with timber fortifications in the center of the scene. Hills and small houses in the background. Belleau Wood was the scene of intense fighting between Allied soldiers and the German Army towards the end of the First World War.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26028
catalog number
26028
accession number
64592
A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a road between Jaulgonne and Mount St. Pierre, France, during the Second Battle of the Marne on July 22, 1918. Depicted are two ammunition trucks driving along the war torn road.
Description
A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a road between Jaulgonne and Mount St. Pierre, France, during the Second Battle of the Marne on July 22, 1918. Depicted are two ammunition trucks driving along the war torn road. The truck at the back is partially obscured by fog or smoke in the background. On the right, a dead American soldier is lying on the side of the road next to a tree stump. His helmet is lying in the middle of the road. On the left, an American soldier is kneeling on the side of the road by a wooden cross. An explosion of yellow, red, and black smoke rises into the air behind him. Written at the bottom by the artist in pencil is: "Sketch. The road between / Jacqluer [sic] & Mont St. Pierre / on the Marne. July 22, / 1918. / One of Col. [illegibile]s Racehorses / These ammunitions trucks went / where ambulances could not and / served the double purpose of ammunitions / carriers and ambulances."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67523M
catalog number
67523M
accession number
229290
Ink wash on white paper mounted on white card stock. Loose white card stock frame covers the piece. This sketch is a portrait of a French soldier in profile view. The soldier is wearing a French steel helmet and is carrying a cane or stick.
Description
Ink wash on white paper mounted on white card stock. Loose white card stock frame covers the piece. This sketch is a portrait of a French soldier in profile view. The soldier is wearing a French steel helmet and is carrying a cane or stick. There are three chevrons visible on his left sleeve, which symbolize war service. The soldier is also carrying some sort of bag on his shoulder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26120
catalog number
26120
accession number
64592
Charcoal sketch on white paper of American soldiers American soldiers huddled in a trench, presumably getting ready for battle and preparing for a gas attack. Some soldiers are wearing gas masks, while others peek over the trench walls.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper of American soldiers American soldiers huddled in a trench, presumably getting ready for battle and preparing for a gas attack. Some soldiers are wearing gas masks, while others peek over the trench walls. In the background at right there is an overturned tank behind a dead horse. There is barbed wire in the background on the left. Toxic gasses, such as chlorine and mustard gas, were used in World War I by enemy armies as part of chemical warfare. When gas was detected, an alarm was raised and soldiers would put on their gas masks to avoid injuries, such as chemical burns and blindness, or death.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26115
catalog number
26115
accession number
64592
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch shows an American soldier standing in the foreground on the left. He is next to an elaborate cross on a hill, looking out over a village, which is in the background on the right.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch shows an American soldier standing in the foreground on the left. He is next to an elaborate cross on a hill, looking out over a village, which is in the background on the right. The Argonne forest was the site of a major battle during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26063
catalog number
26063
accession number
64592
A charcoal sketch on paper. This landscape shows Grandpre, France. In the foreground is a battleground with dugouts, barbed wire entanglements, and a bare tree on the left.
Description
A charcoal sketch on paper. This landscape shows Grandpre, France. In the foreground is a battleground with dugouts, barbed wire entanglements, and a bare tree on the left. Beyond the battleground are shell torn buildings, including a large church in the center that has some roof damage. The church is most likely the Église Saint-Médard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25989
catalog number
25989
accession number
64592
In the 1700s, paperweights made from textured stone or bronze were part of the writer’s tool kit, which also included a quill pen and stand, inkpot, and blotter.
Description
In the 1700s, paperweights made from textured stone or bronze were part of the writer’s tool kit, which also included a quill pen and stand, inkpot, and blotter. By the mid-1800s, decorative paperweights produced by glassmakers in Europe and the United States became highly desired collectibles.
Decorative glass paperweights reflected the 19th-century taste for intricate, over-the-top designs. Until the spread of textiles colorized with synthetic dyes, ceramics and glass were among the few objects that added brilliant color to a 19th-century Victorian interior. The popularity of these paperweights in the 1800s testifies to the sustained cultural interest in hand craftsmanship during an age of rapid industrialization.
This paperweight is attributed to Whitall, Tatum & Company of Millville, New Jersey. The firm was formed in 1901 and employed first-rate craftsmen who created outstanding paperweights.
This pedestal paperweight features an opaque, rich yellow twelve-petal flower, freely suspended in a clear glass ball. The pointed center flower petals suggest that it is the work of glassmaker Emil Stanger.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1905-1912
maker
Whitall, Tatum and Company
ID Number
CE.60.96
catalog number
60.96
accession number
211475
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch shows groups of American soldiers marching off into the distance between army motor trucks on a dirt road. The road is surrounded by large dead trees and barbed wire entanglements on either side. Rolling hills and fields in the distance.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch shows groups of American soldiers marching off into the distance between army motor trucks on a dirt road. The road is surrounded by large dead trees and barbed wire entanglements on either side. Rolling hills and fields in the distance. The sky is very cloudy and dark with observation balloons floating in the distance.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26080
catalog number
26080
accession number
64592
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on brown paper mounted on a white matte paper sealed in the front with a glass sheet and backed by a plastic sheet wrapped in plastic wrap. The scene is of a railhead dump at Menil-la-Tour.
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on brown paper mounted on a white matte paper sealed in the front with a glass sheet and backed by a plastic sheet wrapped in plastic wrap. The scene is of a railhead dump at Menil-la-Tour. Approximately nine men wearing blue, possibly French, are seen in the sketch all over the picture. Seven men are working around a tall pile of baled hay seen in the center of the sketch. Another two men are working on the right side, dragging a sheet. Several tall covered piles are seen besides the hay pile. Two flat cars are seen on the rails. Trash is seen in on the right side behind a lone tree. Behind the trash is a building.
The sketch is mostly colored, but it is not entirely sketched. The sky is colored blue. The tree and the grass are painted green. Other colors include light blue, red, and brown/pink for the ground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
maker
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26058
catalog number
26058
accession number
64592
A pencil and watercolor sketch on yellow paper that is mounted on a white matte paper sealed in the front with a glass sheet and backed by a plastic sheet wrapped in plastic wrap. The scene is of an airplane shop with workers assembling airplanes at Romorantin.
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on yellow paper that is mounted on a white matte paper sealed in the front with a glass sheet and backed by a plastic sheet wrapped in plastic wrap. The scene is of an airplane shop with workers assembling airplanes at Romorantin. Approximately ten people are seen in the sketch working on three different planes. The two main planes in the sketch do not have wings attached, but the propeller and the cockpit has been built. Clerestory windows are seen in the shop along with several ceiling lamps hanging above the planes. Only a select few parts of the painting are colored in brown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
maker
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25929
catalog number
25929
accession number
64592
Oil painting on canvas of an American machine gun emplacement at Seicheprey, France. Two American soldiers in olive drab uniforms are sitting in the middle of a cemetery next to their Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun.
Description
Oil painting on canvas of an American machine gun emplacement at Seicheprey, France. Two American soldiers in olive drab uniforms are sitting in the middle of a cemetery next to their Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun. There are tombstones all around the soldiers, some of which have toppled over. A section of the rock wall surrounding the cemetery has been partially destroyed at right, giving the machine gunners a better sight line. The soldiers have positioned the gun on the rubble from the ruined wall, with the barrel of the gun pointing out of the cemetery. Signed by the artist at bottom left, "Harvey Dunn, Saishprey [sic], AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25709
catalog number
25709
accession number
64592
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26059
catalog number
26059
accession number
64592
Gouache and oil on beige paper mounted flush on brown board. The drawing depicts an American supply train during World War I. The drawing shows two buildings with trees in the background. The large building is shell-torn.
Description
Gouache and oil on beige paper mounted flush on brown board. The drawing depicts an American supply train during World War I. The drawing shows two buildings with trees in the background. The large building is shell-torn. In the foreground, two supply carts are shown along with several supply bags at front right. An active scene, there are approximately nine soldiers wearing green uniforms standing around, sitting in the cart, and one on horseback. There is another soldier wearing blue on horseback entering from the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25645
catalog number
25645
accession number
64592
Oil painting on canvas of two American soldiers carrying another soldier on a stretcher along a line of barbed wire. The stretcher bearers are in uniform and are wearing helmets with their gas mask bags hanging from their necks.
Description
Oil painting on canvas of two American soldiers carrying another soldier on a stretcher along a line of barbed wire. The stretcher bearers are in uniform and are wearing helmets with their gas mask bags hanging from their necks. The soldier in front is looking up into the distance as he walks, while the soldier in back is walking with his head bowed. The soldier on the stretcher is wrapped in a blanket and his face is white; he is either severely injured or dead. The sky is gray with faint light coming from the left. A line of fog is rolling in from the left, slightly obscuring the soldiers and the barbed wire. At the bottom of the painting among the grass are tiny red and blue flowers. Signed by the artist at bottom left, "Harvey Dunn, 1918"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25719
catalog number
25719
accession number
64592
Pastel and watercolor drawing on paper of American soldiers advancing during the Second Battle of the Marne. Soldiers in uniform with guns and bayonets drawn advance up a hill that is covered in long grass with blue and red flowers.
Description
Pastel and watercolor drawing on paper of American soldiers advancing during the Second Battle of the Marne. Soldiers in uniform with guns and bayonets drawn advance up a hill that is covered in long grass with blue and red flowers. In the background at left is a cluster of trees, one of which has almost been cut in half and leans in the direction of the soldiers. In the background at right is a war torn village. The sky overhead is full of dark blue and gray clouds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67520M
catalog number
67520M
accession number
229290
A three-quarters portrait of Elbert A. Gibbs depicted as Colonel, Corps of Engineers, General Construction. An oil painting on an illustration board. A white man, Colonel Gibbs has brown hair and glasses.
Description
A three-quarters portrait of Elbert A. Gibbs depicted as Colonel, Corps of Engineers, General Construction. An oil painting on an illustration board. A white man, Colonel Gibbs has brown hair and glasses. He is wearing a tunic with a Sam Browne belt, and two downward chevrons on his left arm sleeve indicating he has spent a year overseas. He appears to be reading something. His collar contains two insignias: one U.S. officer insignia and the other is a castle indicating Corps of Engineers insignia. A green line is seen running down his left shoulder, possibly indicating a green cord. The rest of the arm, hand, and bottom portion of the portrait is not sketched or painted in detail. Colonel Gibbs's signature is seen on the bottom portion of the portrait.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
maker
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.58075M
catalog number
58075M
accession number
203612
A charcoal and pastel sketch on paper of the Fourth Corps Headquarter sat Hesperange, Luxembourg during World War I. The scene is of a wide road leading through a village. Buildings on the left fly French and American flags.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and pastel sketch on paper of the Fourth Corps Headquarter sat Hesperange, Luxembourg during World War I. The scene is of a wide road leading through a village. Buildings on the left fly French and American flags.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25969
catalog number
25969
accession number
64592
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General Tasker H. Bliss. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Metals include: Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, Spanish Campaign, Philippine Campaign, Army of Cuban Occupation, and Mexican Serivce.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of four star General Tasker H. Bliss. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Metals include: Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George, Spanish Campaign, Philippine Campaign, Army of Cuban Occupation, and Mexican Serivce. Bliss wears a pin with the federal insignia indicating his rank of Chief of American Section, Supreme War Council. He also wears a Sam Browne Belt, possibly a white under shirt (visable at collar), and glasses in his left pocket.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.58088M
catalog number
58088M
accession number
203612
Mixed media sketch on paper. French troops march over a bridge into Sedan, which was occupied by the Germans for most of World War I. The river is in the foreground, and the buildings of Sedan are in the background.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. French troops march over a bridge into Sedan, which was occupied by the Germans for most of World War I. The river is in the foreground, and the buildings of Sedan are in the background. The flag of France flies from several of the buildings and the bridge.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11-17
1918-11-17
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26055
catalog number
26055
accession number
64592
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1915
maker
Macbeth-Evans Glass Company
ID Number
CE.888
catalog number
888
accession number
58571
Oil on canvas. Catalogue card reads: "Road between Belleau Wood and Château Thierry as it looked on July 1, 1918 when taken by men of the Second Division." Rubble and large wooden beam in foreground.
Description
Oil on canvas. Catalogue card reads: "Road between Belleau Wood and Château Thierry as it looked on July 1, 1918 when taken by men of the Second Division." Rubble and large wooden beam in foreground. A cart on the road surrounded by destroyed buildings, including an eight ring ladder reaching a second floor on the right, in background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
depicted
1918-06-1
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.35929
catalog number
35929
accession number
104470

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