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.

Resource Type: Sketches

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

Officers Mess, Ammunition Train

Ink wash on white paper. A group of American and French officers that are part of an ammunition train eat in a hilly field. The officers are sitting on crates, possibly filled with supplies. They're positioned directly in front of a big white tent.
Description
Ink wash on white paper. A group of American and French officers that are part of an ammunition train eat in a hilly field. The officers are sitting on crates, possibly filled with supplies. They're positioned directly in front of a big white tent. There is a large tree on the righthand side, and another tent visible in background on a hilltop.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06-08
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26117
catalog number
26117
accession number
64592

Machine Gun Outfit Near Esnes

Charcoal sketch. Shell bursts light up the horizon in the background. Soldiers in foreground, crouched and on the move. A horse is hitched to machine gun equipment. Three denuded trees between the soldiers and the horizon.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch. Shell bursts light up the horizon in the background. Soldiers in foreground, crouched and on the move. A horse is hitched to machine gun equipment. Three denuded trees between the soldiers and the horizon.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25774
catalog number
25774
accession number
64592

On the Edge of Beaumont

Mixed media on paper. Sketch shows two buildings separated by trees. A handful of soldiers stand in front of the building on the right. There are also soldiers on the far right of the frame.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media on paper. Sketch shows two buildings separated by trees. A handful of soldiers stand in front of the building on the right. There are also soldiers on the far right of the frame.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26025
catalog number
26025
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

Dead Acres - St. Mihiel Sector

A charcoal sketch on paper of a war-torn area in the St. Mihiel Sector of combat during World War I. Several bare trees dominate the scene. Two American soldiers are resting by the tree on the right.
Description
A charcoal sketch on paper of a war-torn area in the St. Mihiel Sector of combat during World War I. Several bare trees dominate the scene. Two American soldiers are resting by the tree on the right. In the foreground, there is a trench with a wooden plank crossing on the right side. Several crosses, presumably marking graves, are in the background on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25981
catalog number
25981
accession number
64592

On the Outskirts of Montabaur

Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows a barn on the right and some houses on the left separated by a dirt road in the foreground, and a village with a church in the background. There is a horse and a wagon in front of the barn.Currently not on view
Description
Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows a barn on the right and some houses on the left separated by a dirt road in the foreground, and a village with a church in the background. There is a horse and a wagon in front of the barn.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26026
catalog number
26026
accession number
64592

At Andilly

A charcoal and watercolor color sketch on paper of Andilly, France. The sketch depicts a tree-lined canal and a few buildings lining the left side of the canal. A man in the center of the drawing is carrying a bucket in each hand.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and watercolor color sketch on paper of Andilly, France. The sketch depicts a tree-lined canal and a few buildings lining the left side of the canal. A man in the center of the drawing is carrying a bucket in each hand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25905
catalog number
25905
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

American Trucks in a Side Street Montabaur

Charcoal sketch on paper. American army trucks and troops on a street leading through a village. Buildings on either side of street. The sketch is affixed to a larger piece of heavy cardboard.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. American army trucks and troops on a street leading through a village. Buildings on either side of street. The sketch is affixed to a larger piece of heavy cardboard. A label under the sketch, on the larger cardboard mount, reads: "AMERICAN TRUCKS IN A SIDE STREET/MONTABAUR/BY E. PEIXOTTO/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2965."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25807
catalog number
25807
accession number
64592

A Billet Village on the Marne

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch depicts a small village in France where American soldiers were billeted during World War I.
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch depicts a small village in France where American soldiers were billeted during World War I. The Marne river, seen here in the right background, was
the line a German offensive in the spring and summer of 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25944
catalog number
25944
accession number
64592

At Ménil-la-Tour

Pencil and watercolor color sketch on paper. The work depicts the French village of Ménil-la-Tour during World War I. Soldiers, trucks, and horses populate the scene; a church steeple rises in the background.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil and watercolor color sketch on paper. The work depicts the French village of Ménil-la-Tour during World War I. Soldiers, trucks, and horses populate the scene; a church steeple rises in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25916
catalog number
25916
accession number
64592

The Square, Pont-à-Mousson

Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch is a street scene, with people milling about and buildings on either side of the street.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch is a street scene, with people milling about and buildings on either side of the street.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25886
catalog number
25886
accession number
64592

Montsec, A Street in No Man's Land

Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch shows the ruins of a village on a hill. Smith calls this village "No Man's Land." There are two soldiers at the top of the hill. The street has multiple holes from shell fire.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch shows the ruins of a village on a hill. Smith calls this village "No Man's Land." There are two soldiers at the top of the hill. The street has multiple holes from shell fire. The buildings have all been destroyed and are now without roofs and walls. Telephone pole at left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26016
catalog number
26016
accession number
64592

The Engineer

Oil and watercolor painting on paper of two American soldiers while off duty during World War I. The soldiers are in uniform and sitting on a cot.
Description
Oil and watercolor painting on paper of two American soldiers while off duty during World War I. The soldiers are in uniform and sitting on a cot. The soldier on the right is wearing his helmet, with his rifle (probably an M1903 Springfield) propped on the cot next to him, reading a newspaper. The soldier on the left is smoking a cigarette and looking at the viewer. His helmet and bag are hanging on the wall above his head and there is a canteen at his feet. Signed by the artist at bottom left, "Harvey Dunn, 1918"
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.25713
catalog number
25713
accession number
64592

No Man's Land, Near Thiaucourt

Charcoal sketch on paper of a road leading through shell-torn countryside. Denuded trees on either side of road. There are several forms lying on the road in the foreground--possibly soldiers or horses. Stark and lifeless.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper of a road leading through shell-torn countryside. Denuded trees on either side of road. There are several forms lying on the road in the foreground--possibly soldiers or horses. Stark and lifeless.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25849
catalog number
25849
accession number
64592

Vaux, July 23, 1918

Charcoal on white paper. Sketch showing a devastated shell torn village. There is a demolished bridge in the foreground and two destroyed buildings in the background.
Description
Charcoal on white paper. Sketch showing a devastated shell torn village. There is a demolished bridge in the foreground and two destroyed buildings in the background. Cracked wooden beams, chunks of concrete, and other debris are scattered throughout the sketch.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26133
catalog number
26133
accession number
64592

A Billet at Rangeval

A pencil, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on paper of a billet at Rangeval, France. The scene is of the top floor of a stable where the soldiers are quartered.
Description
A pencil, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on paper of a billet at Rangeval, France. The scene is of the top floor of a stable where the soldiers are quartered. Several soldiers are at the far end of the loft.
An original label for the sketch read, "This shows the hay loft of a huge stable. The men arrange their bunks in the straw and along the wall. The great shell hole in the roof (the result of former fighting) admits light and air and especially rain. But those men whose beds are exposed to the elements have stretched their ponchos tent-fashion and are enjoying a sort of inside-out existence."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25907
catalog number
25907
accession number
64592

Square at Pont-a-Mousson

Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. American soldiers, mounted and on foot, move through the square of this small French town. An ambulance is in the right foreground. This scene was captured at the end of the First World War.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. American soldiers, mounted and on foot, move through the square of this small French town. An ambulance is in the right foreground. This scene was captured at the end of the First World War.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26051
catalog number
26051
accession number
64592

Untitled

Color crayon and charcoal sketch on paper. Village scene with buildings in background. On the left, a soldier leads horses out of a barnyard. Soldiers at mess on right.Currently not on view
Description
Color crayon and charcoal sketch on paper. Village scene with buildings in background. On the left, a soldier leads horses out of a barnyard. Soldiers at mess on right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25793
catalog number
25793
accession number
64592

A Roadside Repair Station, Chateau Thierry

Charcoal sketch on white paper. Soldiers of an ammunition train have stopped for repairs at a roadside repair station located to the northwest of Château-Thierry. Depicted is a large motor supply truck which is being repaired by an American soldier in the foreground.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Soldiers of an ammunition train have stopped for repairs at a roadside repair station located to the northwest of Château-Thierry. Depicted is a large motor supply truck which is being repaired by an American soldier in the foreground. A group of American soldiers work to repair objects on a makeshift workbench at left. Motor parts and other supply boxes surround them on the ground. Two ambulances with the Red Cross emblems are visible in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26099
catalog number
26099
accession number
64592

A Lodging for the Night, 42nd Division

Pen and ink with touches of graphite. Horizontal landscape format; village scene. Church tower and hills in background. Vehicles and a line of horses in foreground. Several soldiers moving about.
Description
Pen and ink with touches of graphite. Horizontal landscape format; village scene. Church tower and hills in background. Vehicles and a line of horses in foreground. Several soldiers moving about. Sketch done on white wove paper that is mounted on tan card with decorative ruled graphite lines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25686
catalog number
25686
accession number
64592

Flirey

A charcoal sketch on beige card of a scene at Flirey. The army has gathered in the area of the church where it looms in the background to the left, taking up almost the whole height of the sketch. On the left, a broken supply cart dominates the foreground.
Description
A charcoal sketch on beige card of a scene at Flirey. The army has gathered in the area of the church where it looms in the background to the left, taking up almost the whole height of the sketch. On the left, a broken supply cart dominates the foreground. Next to the cart are three soldiers standing and a soldier sitting down. Deeper into the painting, A covered supply cart holds up a canopy where a smoke is coming out of a pipe. To the right of that, soldiers sit on the road leading up to the church. Three trees are in the background to the right of the church. On the right side, soldiers with supply carts are coming up the road. Shell torn buildings line up the right edge of the sketch. In the sky, two parachutes are seen deployed.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
maker
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25986
catalog number
25986
accession number
64592

Vaux, A Shapeless Mass of Masonry

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26134
catalog number
26134
accession number
64592

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.