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.

Date: 1910s

Chateau Thierry and the Valley

Pencil sketch (with other media) of the Valley of the Marne. Hills and Chateau Thierry in the background. Shell torn trees and building in foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil sketch (with other media) of the Valley of the Marne. Hills and Chateau Thierry in the background. Shell torn trees and building in foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25818
catalog number
25818
accession number
64592

Morning on the Marne

A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing of American soldiers in the early morning on the Marne in France. Five American soldiers wearing olive drab uniforms and helmets can be seen walking along a dirt road lined with barbed wire.
Description
A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing of American soldiers in the early morning on the Marne in France. Five American soldiers wearing olive drab uniforms and helmets can be seen walking along a dirt road lined with barbed wire. The soldiers are carrying rifles that are covered at the muzzle. Fields of yellow grass surround the soldiers. To the left of the soldiers, beyond the barbed wire, two soldiers are hazily seen in an encampment. Above the encampment, a biplane is flying with a white and blue stripe on the plane's rudder. The drawing is diffused with the yellow morning light. Signed by the artist at bottom right, "Harvey Dunn, AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
maker
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25710
catalog number
25710
accession number
64592

Untitled

Pencil with ink wash sketch on paper of a landscape of a town along the banks of a river. At center on the far bank is a large building, possibly a cathedral or castle, which has apparently been damaged by shell fire.
Description
Pencil with ink wash sketch on paper of a landscape of a town along the banks of a river. At center on the far bank is a large building, possibly a cathedral or castle, which has apparently been damaged by shell fire. To the right of this along the river are several other tall buildings, some with spires and towers. Below the town is a river wall and below that is a set of stairs leading to a walking path along the river. Indistinct figures can be seen along the river's edge. Signed at bottom left by the artist, "Peixotto, 1918".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25865
catalog number
25865
accession number
64592

San Mihiel Drive

Lithographic crayon sketch. A large tree dominates this scene. Troops are advancing down a road from the left foreground to the right background. A shell-torn building is in the left background; wagon, men, and horses are in its yard. Ruined clock tower on far left.
Description
Lithographic crayon sketch. A large tree dominates this scene. Troops are advancing down a road from the left foreground to the right background. A shell-torn building is in the left background; wagon, men, and horses are in its yard. Ruined clock tower on far left. A soldier mounted on a horse is in roughly the center of the scene. Beige textured wove paper. On the bottom edge of the mount is an inscription that reads: "Troops leisurely advancing in St. Mihiel drive by/the ruins of Sichprey [sic], Sept. 13/18."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09-13
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25704C
catalog number
25704C
accession number
64592

The Marne at Jaulgonne

Pencil and ink wash sketch on paper. The drawing is a view of the River Marne near Jaulgonne, France during World War I. Men are working on a hydraulic mill in the foreground of the work.
Description
Pencil and ink wash sketch on paper. The drawing is a view of the River Marne near Jaulgonne, France during World War I. Men are working on a hydraulic mill in the foreground of the work. Several buildings with shell damage are shown in the background on the banks of the river.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08-01
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25881
catalog number
25881
accession number
64592

Bridge at Echternach

Mixed media sketch on paper. View of a small bridge in the town of Echternach, Luxembourg during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. View of a small bridge in the town of Echternach, Luxembourg during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25955
catalog number
25955
accession number
64592

Flying Field at Issoudun

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of Field Number One at Issoudun, France. The busy airfield depicted here was part of a large training complex for the U.S. Air Service during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of Field Number One at Issoudun, France. The busy airfield depicted here was part of a large training complex for the U.S. Air Service during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25984
catalog number
25984
accession number
64592

drawing

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1916
associated date
1914 - 1918
ID Number
ZZ.RSN82658T10

Entrance to the Old Chateau, Granpre

Charcoal sketch on heavy white card stock. The work depicts a chateau in the area of Grandpré, France. The entrance is a large archway surmounted by a hipped roof with dormers.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on heavy white card stock. The work depicts a chateau in the area of Grandpré, France. The entrance is a large archway surmounted by a hipped roof with dormers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25825
catalog number
25825
accession number
64592
223708

Edward McGlachlin

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General Edward McGlachlin. Army Service Ribbon for Decorations and Medals include the Sampson Medal. McClachlin wears a officer's pin on his collar and a 1st Infantry Division insignia patch on the shoulder of his left arm sleeve.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General Edward McGlachlin. Army Service Ribbon for Decorations and Medals include the Sampson Medal. McClachlin wears a officer's pin on his collar and a 1st Infantry Division insignia patch on the shoulder of his left arm sleeve. He also wears a Sam Browne belt.
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.58100M
catalog number
58100M
accession number
203612

Two Women

Zinc plate for the only etching made by Stuart Davis (1894-1964)Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Zinc plate for the only etching made by Stuart Davis (1894-1964)
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
circa 1916
maker
Davis, Stuart
ID Number
GA.22182
catalog number
22182
accession number
272554

bowl

The United States Pottery Company produced semi-porcelain toilet and dinner wares from 1898 and 1932. This white earthenware or ironstone bowl is decorated with transfer printed floral bouquets would have been part of a dinner set.Currently not on view
Description
The United States Pottery Company produced semi-porcelain toilet and dinner wares from 1898 and 1932. This white earthenware or ironstone bowl is decorated with transfer printed floral bouquets would have been part of a dinner set.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1902-1910
maker
United States Pottery Company
ID Number
CE.76.4
catalog number
76.4
accession number
319072

Interior of the Ruined Church Neuvilly

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts the interior of a ruined church at Neuvilly, France, showing the columns and roof of what appear to be the Church's central archway. A group of people are standing and sitting among the rubble.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts the interior of a ruined church at Neuvilly, France, showing the columns and roof of what appear to be the Church's central archway. A group of people are standing and sitting among the rubble. The majority of one wall is missing and the roof is badly damaged.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25838
catalog number
25838
accession number
64592

Fox Conner

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of one star General Fox Conner. Conner wears a Sam Browne belt and a unknown collar disk. He possibly has a black pen in his left breast pocket.Currently not on view
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of one star General Fox Conner. Conner wears a Sam Browne belt and a unknown collar disk. He possibly has a black pen in his left breast 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.58087M
catalog number
58087M
accession number
203612

Gas Light Shade

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1915
maker
Macbeth-Evans Glass Company
ID Number
CE.903
catalog number
903
accession number
58571

Clear Automatic Signal Glass

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
est. 1899
1915
ID Number
CE.918
catalog number
918
accession number
58571

Street in Neufchâteau

Charcoal, wash, and gouache drawing on card. The work depicts a street scene in Neufchâteau, France. A woman carrying a basket walks down in the road, facing the viewer. A church's tower dominates the background.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, wash, and gouache drawing on card. The work depicts a street scene in Neufchâteau, France. A woman carrying a basket walks down in the road, facing the viewer. A church's tower dominates the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25669
catalog number
25669
accession number
64592

American Graves at Menil-la-Tour

Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige paper. The work depicts a cemetery with American graves at Ménil-la-Tour, France during World War I. There are several rows of graves, each marked with a cross.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige paper. The work depicts a cemetery with American graves at Ménil-la-Tour, France during World War I. There are several rows of graves, each marked with a cross. The graves have small mounds of earth in front of them and wreaths and American flags are sketched on most of the mounds. A barbed wire fence borders the cemetery in the left of the drawing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25914
catalog number
25914
accession number
64592

A Forced Landing Near Neufchâteau

Charcoal on white paper. This sketch depicts an aviator and pilot standing on an overturned Breguet reconnaissance plane, probably a Breguet 14. The two men are reading a map. The plane's underside has camouflage and what appear to be French roundels on its wings.
Description
Charcoal on white paper. This sketch depicts an aviator and pilot standing on an overturned Breguet reconnaissance plane, probably a Breguet 14. The two men are reading a map. The plane's underside has camouflage and what appear to be French roundels on its wings. There is a line of trees in the background at left and a village in the background at right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26097
catalog number
26097
accession number
64592

His Bunkie

Charcoal or crayon with gouache drawing on beige paper backed by card matte. The drawing depicts an American soldier, fully equipped, standing at the grave of his bunk mate or "bunkie." A wooden cross is at the head of the grave.
Description
Charcoal or crayon with gouache drawing on beige paper backed by card matte. The drawing depicts an American soldier, fully equipped, standing at the grave of his bunk mate or "bunkie." A wooden cross is at the head of the grave. Beside the cross are a helmet and what looks like a metal canister.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25661
catalog number
25661
accession number
64592

Village in Germany

Graphite, black crayon, sanguine crayon, and white gouache sketch. Village scene with traditional houses around a road. Several children, a woman, and a dog are in the road, along with two American soldiers and a horse.
Description
Graphite, black crayon, sanguine crayon, and white gouache sketch. Village scene with traditional houses around a road. Several children, a woman, and a dog are in the road, along with two American soldiers and a horse. On the far right of the sketch, several men are sitting together next to a fence. The sketch is done on dark gray wove paper and mounted on tan card ruled with decorative lines. Written beneath the sketch, on the tan card, is the following inscription: "An invaded village in Germany-/Zone of the American Army of Occupation".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12-15
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25704A
catalog number
25704A
accession number
64592

After the Battle of Charteves

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts a damaged village in the aftermath of the Battle of Charteves. A shell-torn church and a number of smaller shell-torn buildings make up the village.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts a damaged village in the aftermath of the Battle of Charteves. A shell-torn church and a number of smaller shell-torn buildings make up the village. A man, possibly a soldier, is in the street in the right foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25800
catalog number
25800
accession number
64592

George W. Puryear

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of First Lieutenant George W. Puryear. Puryear wears Army officer's insignia of a First Lieutenant on his shoulder loops and overseas cap. He also wears officer and a Air Corps pins on his collar and a Sam Browne belt.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of First Lieutenant George W. Puryear. Puryear wears Army officer's insignia of a First Lieutenant on his shoulder loops and overseas cap. He also wears officer and a Air Corps pins on his collar and a Sam Browne belt. Puryear's left breast pocket is painted exceptionally dark for Chase, possibly a crude depication of a army aviation badge. Catalogue card reads: Painted in France by Jos. C. Chase. Presented in 1922-31.
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.37720
catalog number
37720
accession number
117218

Pathway to Peace

Charcoal sketch on paper. This somber scene of soldiers picking through the ruins of a village church was a familiar one to the American forces fighting in France during World War I.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. This somber scene of soldiers picking through the ruins of a village church was a familiar one to the American forces fighting in France during World War I. The artwork's title, Pathway to Peace, is an ironic nod to the devastation of the conflict.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26032
catalog number
26032
accession number
64592

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