Art

Panorama of the Army of the Cumberland

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.

Topic: Communications

A Sea Port

Line engraving from original painting by Claude Lorrain, also called Claude Gellée, once in the Gallery at Houghton. Now in the State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg. Alternate title: Morning in the Harbor. Print removed from George P. Marsh's copy of The Houghton Gallery, vol.
Description
Line engraving from original painting by Claude Lorrain, also called Claude Gellée, once in the Gallery at Houghton. Now in the State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg. Alternate title: Morning in the Harbor. Print removed from George P. Marsh's copy of The Houghton Gallery, vol. 1. Notation on mounting sheet in pencil by S. R. Koehler: "A Sea Port. Claude le Lorrain. Canot. Taken out for framing, Mar. 17, '94." SI Secretary's Library stamp embossed below image.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1775
original artist
Lorrain, Claude
delineator
Farington, Joseph
engraver
Canot, Pierre Charles
publisher
Boydell, John
ID Number
1978.0534.02.40
catalog number
1978.0534.02.40
accession number
1978.0534

Japanese printing

Wooden mallet used to drive chisel into wood block to cut design for Japanese printmaking. One of a group of woodblock-cutter's tools used in Graphic Arts exhibit of Japanese printmaking techniques from about 1890 to 1990s. Identified as No.
Description
Wooden mallet used to drive chisel into wood block to cut design for Japanese printmaking. One of a group of woodblock-cutter's tools used in Graphic Arts exhibit of Japanese printmaking techniques from about 1890 to 1990s. Identified as No. 25 in watercolor drawing GA 03209.02 showing the tools of the block cutter.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
GA.03210.25
accession number
22582
catalog number
03210.25

Engraved woodblock of a "Bird's-eye view of the Grand Canyon"

This engraved woodblock of “Bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon" was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1875 as as Figure 72 (p.187) in Report of the Exploration of the Colorado River of
Description
This engraved woodblock of “Bird’s-eye view of the Grand Canyon" was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1875 as as Figure 72 (p.187) in Report of the Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and Its Tributaries. Explored in 1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872, under the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution by John Wesley Powell (1834-1902).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Powell, John Wesley
graphic artist
Nichols, H. H.
ID Number
1980.0219.0467
accession number
1980.0219
catalog number
1980.0219.0467

Engraved woodblock of "Bringing down the batten"

This engraved woodblock of “Bringing down the batten” was prepared, after a photograph, by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Plate XXXVIII (p.390) in an article by Dr.
Description
This engraved woodblock of “Bringing down the batten” was prepared, after a photograph, by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Plate XXXVIII (p.390) in an article by Dr. Washington Matthews (1843-1905) entitled “Navajo Weavers” in the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1881-82.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1884
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Matthews, Washington
Powell, John Wesley
block maker
A. P. J. & Co.
ID Number
1980.0219.1365
catalog number
1980.0219.1365
accession number
1980.0219

Carmine, yo-ko

One of a set of four glass bottles of powdered or crystalized pigment used in Japanese printmaking. GA 3211.16d is the red pigment. Paper label in Japanese; stopped with cork.
Description
One of a set of four glass bottles of powdered or crystalized pigment used in Japanese printmaking. GA 3211.16d is the red pigment. Paper label in Japanese; stopped with cork. According to Tokuno's description, these colors-- white, red, blue, and yellow--were used to print the triptych series Inaka genji (the rustic genji), GA*03212-03216.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
GA.03211.16d
accession number
22582
catalog number
03211.16d

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215.
Description
Japanese wood block print. Landscape with two kimono-clad female figures in foreground; men engaged in agricultural activities in background with waterwheel. Left-hand print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03215. 24 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 14 printing surfaces on eight blocks, of which this is the 9th progressive proof, adding turquoise to landscape and costume details.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Morikawa, Kokichiro
ID Number
GA.03216.09
catalog number
03216.09
accession number
22582

The Stoning of St. Stephen

Engraving after painting formerly attributed to Eustache Le Sueur once in the Salon at Houghton Hall, Norfolk, England. Now in the State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, attributed provisionally to Thomas Gousse. Print removed from George P.
Description
Engraving after painting formerly attributed to Eustache Le Sueur once in the Salon at Houghton Hall, Norfolk, England. Now in the State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, attributed provisionally to Thomas Gousse. Print removed from George P. Marsh’s copy of The Houghton Gallery, vol. 2.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1773
maker
A. B. & W. Transit Company
artist attribution
Le Sueur, Eustache
publisher
Boydell, John
engraver
Aliamet, Francois Germain
ID Number
1978.0534.03.40
accession number
1978.0534
catalog number
1978.0534.03.40

Herb Vegetable Sauce

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968-1970
author
Waters, Alice
ID Number
2016.0085.11
accession number
2016.0085
catalog number
2016.0085.11

Engraved woodblock of "Weaving diamond-shaped diagonals"

This engraved woodblock of “Weaving diamond-shaped diagonals” was prepared, after a photograph, by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Plate XXXV (p.380) in an article by Dr.
Description
This engraved woodblock of “Weaving diamond-shaped diagonals” was prepared, after a photograph, by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Plate XXXV (p.380) in an article by Dr. Washington Matthews (1843-1905) entitled “Navajo Weavers” in the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1881-82.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1884
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Matthews, Washington
block maker
W. T. & B.
ID Number
1980.0219.1359
catalog number
1980.0219.1359
accession number
1980.0219

A Rustic Genji (Inaka Genji)

Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216.
Description
Japanese wood block print depicting a landscape scene. Single kimono-clad female figure in foreground; several men and a horse working in fields in background. Center print in a triptych with GA 03213 and GA 03216. 25 separate impressions were required to complete the image from 10 printing surfaces on six blocks, GA 03214.01-.06, of which this is the 13th progressive proof, adding more yellow to the kimono.
Location
Currently not on view
engraver
Morikawa, Kokichiro
designer
Kuniteru, Utagawa
printer
Nakamura, Tsurusaburo
ID Number
GA.03215.13
catalog number
03215.13
accession number
22582

The steer

Etching on laid paper, trimmed. The outline of the animal is pricked, perhaps for tracing or transfer.Currently not on view
Description
Etching on laid paper, trimmed. The outline of the animal is pricked, perhaps for tracing or transfer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
17th century
original artist
Roos, Johann Heinrich
ID Number
1978.0534.16
accession number
1978.0534
catalog number
1978.0534.16

Warrior Killing a Soldier

Unknown artist, about 1894“Cheyenne Picture. Warrior Killing a Soldier.”Ink and watercolorThis drawing shows the victory of a Cheyenne warrior over a U.S. Army soldier.
Description
Unknown artist, about 1894
“Cheyenne Picture. Warrior Killing a Soldier.”
Ink and watercolor
This drawing shows the victory of a Cheyenne warrior over a U.S. Army soldier. The artist depicts the warrior counting coup on his enemy by touching the fallen soldier with his riding whip (quirt). Counting coup - in this instance touching an adversary in battle - was considered an act of bravery that could gain war honors. This single event took place during a larger battle against many adversaries, as indicated by the large number of rifles at the left.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1875
date made
ca 1894
original artist
unknown
ID Number
GA.08111
accession number
1897.031963
catalog number
GA*08111
accession number
1897.31963

Homme se roulant a terre

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1874
original artist
Fortuny y Carbo, Mariano
ID Number
GA.16774
catalog number
16774
accession number
119780

Independence Hall

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861
maker
Neagle, John B.
ID Number
2014.0250.55
accession number
2014.0250
catalog number
2014.0250.55

General Foy

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1826
maker
Quenot, J. P.
original artist
Vernet, Horace
ID Number
2014.0250.52
accession number
2014.0250
catalog number
2014.0250.52

Woman at table, Sloppy Joe's

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
Artist
Miller, Benjamin
Associated Name
Bernard, Allen W.
maker
Miller, Benjamin
ID Number
2016.0084.119
accession number
2016.0084
catalog number
2016.0084.119

Engraved woodblock of "Climbing the Grand Canyon"

This engraved woodblock of “Climbing the Grand Canyon” was prepared by F. S.
Description
This engraved woodblock of “Climbing the Grand Canyon” was prepared by F. S. King and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1875 on page 98 of John Wesley Powell's Report of the Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and Its Tributaries. Explored in 1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872, under the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Thomas Moran (1837-1926) was the original artist.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
1875
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Powell, John Wesley
original artist
Moran, Thomas
graphic artist
King, Francis Scott
maker
V. W. & Co.
ID Number
1980.0219.0474
accession number
1980.0219
catalog number
1980.0219.0474

Cheyenne Pictures. Warrior Killing a Soldier

Unknown artist, about 1894“Cheyenne Pictures. Standing Elk’s Horse Killed in Fight with Troops.”Pencil, ink, and watercolorThe central focus of this image is a wounded horse, bleeding from head and rump, being fired on by U.S. troops at the right.
Description
Unknown artist, about 1894
“Cheyenne Pictures. Standing Elk’s Horse Killed in Fight with Troops.”
Pencil, ink, and watercolor
The central focus of this image is a wounded horse, bleeding from head and rump, being fired on by U.S. troops at the right. Standing Elk, with his name glyph above him, has dismounted and appears to be safe from the rifle shots. The suggestion of concern by the warrior indicates the high value placed on horses by Plains tribesmen.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1894
original artist
unknown
ID Number
GA.08112
catalog number
GA*08112
accession number
1897.031963

sheet(paper)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
U.S. Government Printing Office
ID Number
GA.20480
accession number
203077

The Shepherd's Offering

Engraving, stipple and roulette, within octagonal border; after painting attributed to Guido Reni.
Description
Engraving, stipple and roulette, within octagonal border; after painting attributed to Guido Reni. As explained in the text below the image, this print was made from a version of the painting in the collection of the Rt Revd Thomas Newton, Lord Bishop of Bristol, because the Reni painting in the Houghton Collection had been sent to Russia before a preparatory drawing could be made. Print removed from George P. Marsh’s copy of The Houghton Gallery, vol. 2. Marsh probably wrote the numeral 48 in pencil in the lower right corner. SI Secretary's library stamp embossed at lower left below image.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1783
originator (author or composer, etc.)
Reni, Guido
original artist
Reni, Guido
delineator
Boydell, Josiah
publisher
Boydell, John
engraver
Michel, Jean Baptiste
ID Number
1978.0534.03.50
accession number
1978.0534
catalog number
1978.0534.03.50

Camera-ready comic panel, entitled Laugh It Off

Laugh It Off was a comic panel series created by New Yorker cartoonist Sydney "Syd" Hoff (1912-2004) and distributed by King Features Syndicate from 1957 to 1971. The panels often illustrated funny moments or situations people find themselves in on a daily basis.
Description
Laugh It Off was a comic panel series created by New Yorker cartoonist Sydney "Syd" Hoff (1912-2004) and distributed by King Features Syndicate from 1957 to 1971. The panels often illustrated funny moments or situations people find themselves in on a daily basis. In this panel, a boss addresses one of his workers that is putting on his jacket to leave: "I don't mind you leaving early to avoid the traffic rush, Folsom, but it itsn't even noon yet."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
8/10/1966
08/10/1966
graphic artist
Hoff, Syd
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22346
catalog number
22346
accession number
277502

On the Lookout for Game

Koba, aka Wild Horse,drawn between 1875 and 1878 at Fort Marion, Florida"On the Lookout for Game"Collected by Richard Henry Pratt about 1878Colored pencil, ink, and watercolorThis illustration by Koba shows a band of Kiowa traveling to the right.
Description
Koba, aka Wild Horse,
drawn between 1875 and 1878 at Fort Marion, Florida
"On the Lookout for Game"
Collected by Richard Henry Pratt about 1878
Colored pencil, ink, and watercolor
This illustration by Koba shows a band of Kiowa traveling to the right. Both men and women carry various supplies, bow and quiver cases, rifles, and umbrellas (a popular trade item). The route of the band is imaged using dashes on the ground. A scout keeps a lookout on the highest hill. The Kiowa hunt on foot, in the old way, though they use both old and new weapons.
date made
ca 1875-1878
original artist
Koba
ID Number
2008.0175.58
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.058

Holiday

Beatrice Wood (1883-1998) was an acclaimed artist, bestknown for her work with ceramics and her role in founding the Dada Movement.
Description (Brief)
Beatrice Wood (1883-1998) was an acclaimed artist, best
known for her work with ceramics and her role in founding the Dada Movement. While working in the Los Angeles art scene during the 1930s, she was introduced to master printer Lynton Kistler, who persuaded her to take up printmaking and gifted her a set of lithographic plates. Her prints were simple and satirical, sometimes incorporating a subtle dark humor. Her lithograph “Holiday,” was printed in 1932.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
about 1940
September 1920
date made
1932
printer
Kistler, Lynton R.
ID Number
1978.0650.0979
accession number
1978.0650
catalog number
1978.0650.0979

Camera-ready comic strip, entitled "Blue Chips".

"Blue Chips", drawn by Morrie Brickman (1917-1994), is based on stock traders and their dealings with the economic uncertainties of the times. This was a precursor to Brickman's most famous cartoon, "The Small Society", which deals with money, politics, and national issues.
Description
"Blue Chips", drawn by Morrie Brickman (1917-1994), is based on stock traders and their dealings with the economic uncertainties of the times. This was a precursor to Brickman's most famous cartoon, "The Small Society", which deals with money, politics, and national issues. In this strip, Pigeon gets advice from his advisor, Bartlett.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
9/24/1966
graphic artist
Brickman, Morrie
publisher
King Features Syndicate
ID Number
GA.22357
catalog number
22357
accession number
277502

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.