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

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

Harry C. Hale

A three-quarters portrait of Harry C. Hale depicted as Major General commanding 26th Division. An oil painting on an illustration board. A white man, Major General Hale has gray hair with gray eyes.
Description
A three-quarters portrait of Harry C. Hale depicted as Major General commanding 26th Division. An oil painting on an illustration board. A white man, Major General Hale has gray hair with gray eyes. He is wearing an overcoat (trench coat) with one thick gray band on the near the edge of the sleeve and a smaller gray band above it with a star in the between. A second star might be just out of view on the top of the sleeve to indicate his rank as Major General. A shoulder patch represents the Twenty-fourth division (Yankee division). He is wearing a oversea cap with yellow lining and two stars on the upper left portion (again indicating his rank). His signature is seen on the bottom of the portrait.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
maker
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.58115M
catalog number
58115M
accession number
203612

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

Electric Light Shade

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
est. 1899
1914-1915
maker
Macbeth-Evans Glass Company
ID Number
CE.809
catalog number
809
accession number
58456

Building Operations at Is-sur-Tille

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. Buildings under construction at Is-sur-Tille, France during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. Buildings under construction at Is-sur-Tille, France during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25960
catalog number
25960
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

A Regiment Stops for Mess

Pencil, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on paper. In this scene from the First World War, a regiment of soldiers stops for mess at Pagny-sur-Meuse, France. A large group of soldiers is assembled outdoors of what appears to be a complex of farm buildings.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on paper. In this scene from the First World War, a regiment of soldiers stops for mess at Pagny-sur-Meuse, France. A large group of soldiers is assembled outdoors of what appears to be a complex of farm buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25915
catalog number
25915
accession number
64592

drawing

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1914 - 1918
ID Number
ZZ.RSN82658T13

Saddler's Room in a Monastery

Pencil sketch on white paper, mounted on white thick paper. Three men stand in a room in a monastery. One of the men is making a horse saddle. Sheets of leather on workbenches are seen in the foreground, and there are tools and chains hanging on the wall to the right.
Description
Pencil sketch on white paper, mounted on white thick paper. Three men stand in a room in a monastery. One of the men is making a horse saddle. Sheets of leather on workbenches are seen in the foreground, and there are tools and chains hanging on the wall to the right. The room is dark and in the shadows, except for the area under an open window where the men are standing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26048
catalog number
26048
accession number
64592

Mopping up Cierges 1918

Charcoal sketch on paper of four American soldiers advancing down a street in Cierges, France. The soldiers are apparently coming through the village at the end of a recent battle, making sure that the village has been cleared of all enemy combatants.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper of four American soldiers advancing down a street in Cierges, France. The soldiers are apparently coming through the village at the end of a recent battle, making sure that the village has been cleared of all enemy combatants. They have their rifles drawn with bayonet attached. The street is lined with badly damaged buildings in the background. Rubble from the bombed out buildings litters the street.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Morgan, Wallace
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25776
catalog number
25776
accession number
64592

American Officer Mess in the Cellar

Graphite, charcoal, and ink wash sketch. Five officers sit around a table while another soldier serves them. The chair in the foreground is empty. On the table, a lamp illuminates the men's faces and casts shadows on the walls.
Description
Graphite, charcoal, and ink wash sketch. Five officers sit around a table while another soldier serves them. The chair in the foreground is empty. On the table, a lamp illuminates the men's faces and casts shadows on the walls. A box telephone and two bottles of wine are among the items on the table. The sketch is done on white wove paper mounted on beige card that is ruled with decorative 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.25688
catalog number
25688
accession number
64592

Flirey

Oil on canvas. Painting of a large church with extensive damage. Large church with a sevearly damaged roof and bell tower in right background. A series of smaller builings with extensive damage in left background.
Description
Oil on canvas. Painting of a large church with extensive damage. Large church with a sevearly damaged roof and bell tower in right background. A series of smaller builings with extensive damage in left background. A troop of soldiers pass in front the church on a high road in right background. One soldier is riding a bicycle. Catalogue card reads "Flirey. In the St. Mihiel [sic] sector. A spot well known to American soldiers situated at a cross roads where its ruined church tower was a conspicuous landmark for miles around."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.35933
catalog number
35933
accession number
104470

Dugouts in an Old Quarry

Black and white sketch of dugouts for soldiers in an old quarry. The makeshift dwellings are built into the side of a the quarry.
Description
Black and white sketch of dugouts for soldiers in an old quarry. The makeshift dwellings are built into the side of a the quarry. A soldier carrying sandbags walks in front of the dugouts and several other soldiers can be seen sitting near the openings of the dugouts in the distance. Soldiers can be seen moving around in lower left of sketch beneath a line of clothes hanging out to dry. A stack of supplies is seen next to the clothesline.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Morgan, Wallace
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25764
catalog number
25764
accession number
64592

A Street in Sanzey

Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige mounted. The work depicts a street in Sanzey, France during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige mounted. The work depicts a street in Sanzey, France 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.25936
catalog number
25936
accession number
64592

A Battlefield on the Marne

Mixed media on paper. This landscape depicts a battlefield that was part of the Second Battle of the Marne during World War I. This conflict was a turning point in the war.
Description
Mixed media on paper. This landscape depicts a battlefield that was part of the Second Battle of the Marne during World War I. This conflict was a turning point in the war. On July 15-16, 1918, the 38th Regiment of the Third Infantry Division of the United States Army participated in a battle here. Two crosses marking graves in the left foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25946
catalog number
25946
accession number
64592

Infantryman

Charcoal sketch on white paper of an infantryman with the American Expeditionary Force. Depicted is an American infantry soldier, possibly a Sergeant, sitting on a hill smoking a cigarette with his hands folded in his lap.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper of an infantryman with the American Expeditionary Force. Depicted is an American infantry soldier, possibly a Sergeant, sitting on a hill smoking a cigarette with his hands folded in his lap. He is fully armed with his rifle and bayonet and is wearing a steel helmet and carrying his pack on his back. His face is seen in profile and his eyes are hidden by his helmet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26109
catalog number
26109
accession number
64592

Pershing

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of General of the Armies of the United States John. J. Pershing.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of General of the Armies of the United States John. J. Pershing. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Distinguished Service Medal, Army of Cuban Occupation, Mexican Service, Unknown Ribbon (solid red with darker red bands at edges, possibly Order of Michael the Brave), Spanish Campaign, Sampson Medal, Order of the Star of Karageorgre, Grand Croix Légion de honneur, Order of Bath, and a Unknown Ribbon (three horizontal bands of green, yellow, green with possibly a green rosette, possibly the Médaille Militaire). Pershing wears four gold stars on each shoulder loop and a Sam Browne Belt. He wears the insignia of the United States on his collar. He also has a moustache. Catalogue card reads: Painted in France by Jos. C. Chase. Presented in 1922-31. Loaned to Chase and returned by him. See reference file on Pershing for slides, CTs, btw prints.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919
associated date
1917 - 1918
depicted (sitter)
Pershing, John J.
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.37718A
accession number
117218
catalog number
37718A

One of the first examples of optical glass made in the USA

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1914
est. 1899
ID Number
CE.240
catalog number
240
accession number
57114

At the Tank Demonstration for General Staff College

Charcoal sketch on paper of a tank demonstration for the General Staff College. A large group of American soldiers, members of a tank battalion, march down a hill carrying their guns and bayonets as four light tanks advance in the same direction in the distance.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper of a tank demonstration for the General Staff College. A large group of American soldiers, members of a tank battalion, march down a hill carrying their guns and bayonets as four light tanks advance in the same direction in the distance. There is a large cloud of smoke hovering in the air in the distance and a large hole in the ground, possibly a shell hole, in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08-16
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26098
catalog number
26098
accession number
64592

View of Chateau Thierry

Pen and ink wash sketch with touches of graphite. Hills and battleground in distance. In the foreground, houses are being shelled; smoke rises from the shell targets. Parachutists in sky at left.
Description
Pen and ink wash sketch with touches of graphite. Hills and battleground in distance. In the foreground, houses are being shelled; smoke rises from the shell targets. Parachutists in sky at left. The sketch is done on white wove paper mounted on tan card ruled with decorative lines. A printed label is attached to the mount beneath the sketch; it reads: "VIEW OF CHATEAU THIERRY/BY W. J. DUNCAN/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2862"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25704
catalog number
25704
accession number
64592

Messe Dans La Cave

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1914 - 1918
ID Number
ZZ.RSN82658T15

Reherry

Mixed media sketch on paper. The sixteenth-century Church of Saint-Medard rises above the small French village of Grandpré. Grandpré's structures were damaged during World War I, like much of rural Fance along the Western Front.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. The sixteenth-century Church of Saint-Medard rises above the small French village of Grandpré. Grandpré's structures were damaged during World War I, like much of rural Fance along the Western Front. Small, partially-destructed houses and figures crowd the foreground at the intersection of what is today Rue du Clos and Rue du Moulin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26035
catalog number
26035
accession number
64592

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