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: 2000s

Mailbox

Thousands of homes were obliterated by the effects of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. One of those homes stood at 2005 Lizardi Street in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans.
Description
Thousands of homes were obliterated by the effects of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. One of those homes stood at 2005 Lizardi Street in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. This mailbox is all that remained, except for the front steps and a field of debris.
The hand-painted green flowers and butterflies on this mailbox, and the carefully lettered name and address of the Alexander family, evoke the domestic serenity that was shattered by Katrina's waters. Inside the mailbox a thick layer of dried mud recalled the wall of water that washed over this neighborhood August 29, 2005, when everything in its path was either submerged or destroyed.
The Lower Ninth Ward was a victim of the over-burdened Industrial Canal, whose concrete flood walls collapsed beneath the weight and force of the water. Further afield, a manmade navigation canal, the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet ("Mr. Go"), offered a short cut not only to ships leaving the Gulf headed for New Orleans but for storm water moving inland from the Gulf. It was this water that in large part flooded the Industrial Canal and devastated the Lower Ninth Ward.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
n.d.
Associated Date
2005-08-2005-09
ID Number
2006.3059.01
nonaccession number
2006.3059
catalog number
2006.3059.01

Study for Here Comes the Bride, 1759

The unsigned rough pencil sketch of a man in Scottish military dress probably corresponds to a soldier of the Forty-second Black Watch Regiment, who appears in the painting Here Comes the Bride, 1759.
Description (Brief)
The unsigned rough pencil sketch of a man in Scottish military dress probably corresponds to a soldier of the Forty-second Black Watch Regiment, who appears in the painting Here Comes the Bride, 1759. Ferris believed members of the regiment, which was stationed in the colonies in 1759, would have been present at Washington’s wedding.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
original artist
Ferris, Jean Leon Gerome
ID Number
GA.16562.08
catalog number
16562.08
accession number
119780

Study of Military Dress

Gerome Ferris noted that the unsigned watercolor shows two men from “Foot/first Regiment,” one of the oldest foot regiments in the British Army.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Gerome Ferris noted that the unsigned watercolor shows two men from “Foot/first Regiment,” one of the oldest foot regiments in the British Army.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
original artist
Ferris, Jean Leon Gerome
ID Number
GA.16562.11
catalog number
16562.11
accession number
119780

Notes and Sketches for Here Comes the Bride, 1759

Gerome Ferris took pains with his historical paintings as this unsigned sheet about Washington’s marriage demonstrates.
Description (Brief)
Gerome Ferris took pains with his historical paintings as this unsigned sheet about Washington’s marriage demonstrates. There are contemporary details of Martha Custis’s wedding gown and of what Washington would have worn with the comment, “Hair powdered (thank God for that).” Sometimes the researcher finds altogether too much information: Ferris noted, probably in some despair, “none of these agree.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
original artist
Ferris, Jean Leon Gerome
ID Number
GA.16562.10
catalog number
16562.10
accession number
119780

Lilly Brothers

The Lilly Brothers began as an old-time duet on radio stations in West Virginia, but eventually moved into bluegrass with the addition of a banjo.
Description
The Lilly Brothers began as an old-time duet on radio stations in West Virginia, but eventually moved into bluegrass with the addition of a banjo. They are credited with bringing the bluegrass sound to New England and the Boston area, with lengthy stints at the Hillbilly Ranch from 1952 into the 1970s.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.062
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.062

Ernest Tubb surrounded by fans

For much of his career, Ernest Tubb, the "Texas Troubadour" was considered the ultimate honky tonk vocalist and stylist. Inspired by Jimmie Rodgers in the 1920s, Tubb sustained a musical career that at times also branched into film and television.
Description
For much of his career, Ernest Tubb, the "Texas Troubadour" was considered the ultimate honky tonk vocalist and stylist. Inspired by Jimmie Rodgers in the 1920s, Tubb sustained a musical career that at times also branched into film and television. No artist toured as much, or for as long as Ernest Tubb, who worked 150 to 200 shows each year between the early 1960s and 1982. No artist was kinder to his fans, and no fans were more loyal to their star. Ernest Tubb had one national fan club with a single president for its entire existence between 1944 and its deactivation in the early 1990s.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1973
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.085
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.085

Grandpa Jones and Ramona Jones

Louis Marshall "Grandpa" Jones (1913-1998) enjoyed a long, distinctive career in country music. At age 22, he began to play the Grandpa character, with his high-topped boots, bushy mustache, and suspenders. Ramona Riggins (b.
Description
Louis Marshall "Grandpa" Jones (1913-1998) enjoyed a long, distinctive career in country music. At age 22, he began to play the Grandpa character, with his high-topped boots, bushy mustache, and suspenders. Ramona Riggins (b. 1924), whom he later married, accompanied him on fiddle and mandolin. Appearing regularly on the Grand Ole Opry and the television show Hee Haw, Grandpa Jones became a well-known character with his banjo-playing, old-time stories, songs, and jokes.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.047
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.047

Hank Snow

With one of the most distinctive voices and styles in country music, Clarence Eugene "Hank" Snow (1914-1999) enjoyed one of the most successful and long-running careers in the field. Born in Canada, he began recording in 1936.
Description
With one of the most distinctive voices and styles in country music, Clarence Eugene "Hank" Snow (1914-1999) enjoyed one of the most successful and long-running careers in the field. Born in Canada, he began recording in 1936. By the time Henry Horenstein photographed Hank Snow, the singer had recorded 840 songs.
Location
Currently not on view
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.054
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.054

Little Jimmy Dickens

Known for his strong voice and small physical stature, Jimmy Dickens (b.1920) gained national fame in 1949 and 1950 with a string of novelty and "heart" songs, including "Take an Old Cold Tater (and Wait)" and "I'm Little but I'm Loud."Currently not on view
Description
Known for his strong voice and small physical stature, Jimmy Dickens (b.1920) gained national fame in 1949 and 1950 with a string of novelty and "heart" songs, including "Take an Old Cold Tater (and Wait)" and "I'm Little but I'm Loud."
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1974
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.071
accession number
2003.0169
catalog number
2003.0169.071

House Band

The house band at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge played for tips and the hope that they might be heard by Tootsie's record producing patrons.Currently not on view
Description
The house band at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge played for tips and the hope that they might be heard by Tootsie's record producing patrons.
Location
Currently not on view
negative
1974
print
2003
maker
Horenstein, Henry
ID Number
2003.0169.108
catalog number
2003.0169.108
accession number
2003.0169

Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth, 19th or 20th Century

One of the most important sea battles of the War of 1812 was the engagement between the USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere on 19 August 1812 off the New England coast.
Description
One of the most important sea battles of the War of 1812 was the engagement between the USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere on 19 August 1812 off the New England coast. Constitution won the battle decisively, damaging Guerriere so badly that it was set on fire and sunk rather than towed home for a prize. Constitution had more and bigger guns, and its hull was thicker; when one of Guerriere's cannon balls bounced off Constitution's hull, the American frigate was nicknamed "Old Ironsides." Although the United States Navy was much smaller and less experienced, this battle proved it could hold its own against the world's largest and strongest sea power.
The etching on the obverse of this sperm whale tooth depicts Constitution firing a broadside into Guerriere, knocking down its mizzenmast. An oval frame inscribed on the bottom "USS Constitution and Guerriere " encircles the scene. The reverse of the tooth has busts of the British commander Captain James Richard Dacres and American Captain Isaac Hull beneath crossed flags of their two nations. Between the two ship captains is the slogan "Free Trade and Sailors Rights," which was an American motto for the War of 1812. Specific decorative elements in common indicate that this tooth was carved by the same anonymous artist as the Kearsarge vs. Alabama tooth (Cat. 1978.0052.36).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th-20th century
ID Number
1978.0052.18
accession number
1978.0052
catalog number
1978.52.18

Studies for Here Comes the Bride, 1759

Gerome Ferris made two pencil studies of sword grips used by a soldier of the Black Watch regiment. Such a soldier appears in the 1930 painting Here Comes the Bride, 1759, showing Washington’s marriage to Martha Custis.
Description (Brief)
Gerome Ferris made two pencil studies of sword grips used by a soldier of the Black Watch regiment. Such a soldier appears in the 1930 painting Here Comes the Bride, 1759, showing Washington’s marriage to Martha Custis. The small unsigned sheet is bordered in black like mourning notepaper suggesting that Ferris seized whatever came to hand when he had an idea.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
original artist
Ferris, Jean Leon Gerome
ID Number
GA.16562.07
catalog number
16562.07
accession number
119780

Skate deck designed by Julien Stranger

Wooden skateboard deck is red and gray on the bottom surface with a Nazi swastika in black on the left side and a Star of David in black on the right side of the deck. "Never Forget 6,000,000 Dead" is printed in white on the bottom of the deck.
Description (Brief)
Wooden skateboard deck is red and gray on the bottom surface with a Nazi swastika in black on the left side and a Star of David in black on the right side of the deck. "Never Forget 6,000,000 Dead" is printed in white on the bottom of the deck. This is a Julien Stranger deck made to commemorate the World War II holocaust. Julien Stranger is a street skating pioneer who began skating in the mid 1980s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2000s
ID Number
2013.0185.08
accession number
2013.0185
catalog number
2013.0185.08

Merry Measure

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2004
maker
Szesko, Judith Jaidinger
ID Number
2015.0272.03
accession number
2015.0272
catalog number
2015.0272.03

First Chill

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2009
maker
Szesko, Judith Jaidinger
ID Number
2015.0272.06
accession number
2015.0272
catalog number
2015.0272.06

Woman and Child in Painting Studio

hand colored stereograph; woman in center, seated in a chair in profile with a young girl standing next to her, both are looking at a painting in a wooden frame on an easel in front of themCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
hand colored stereograph; woman in center, seated in a chair in profile with a young girl standing next to her, both are looking at a painting in a wooden frame on an easel in front of them
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th-early 20th century
ID Number
2012.3033.0419
nonaccession number
2012.3033
catalog number
2012.3033.0419

Painting of Graciela by Erich Padilla

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2006
ID Number
2018.0078.08
accession number
2018.0078
catalog number
2018.0078.08

Team Obama

A poster supporting Barack Obama in 2008. The image was created by artist Ray Noland.Currently not on view
Description
A poster supporting Barack Obama in 2008. The image was created by artist Ray Noland.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2008
Associated Date
2008
artist; maker
Noland, Ray
referenced
Obama, Barack H.
maker; artist
Noland, Ray
ID Number
2008.0046.02
catalog number
2008.0046.02
accession number
2008.0046

Our Movement

A poster supporting Barack Obama in 2008. The image was created by artist Ray Noland.Currently not on view
Description
A poster supporting Barack Obama in 2008. The image was created by artist Ray Noland.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2007
2008
Associated Date
2008
artist; maker
Noland, Ray
depicted (sitter)
Obama, Barack H.
maker
Noland, Ray
ID Number
2008.0046.07
catalog number
2008.0046.07
accession number
2008.0046

Barack Obama 08

A poster supporting Barack Obama in 2008. The image was created by artist Ray Noland.Currently not on view
Description
A poster supporting Barack Obama in 2008. The image was created by artist Ray Noland.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2008
Associated Date
2008
artist; maker
Noland, Ray
depicted (sitter)
Obama, Barack H.
maker; artist
Noland, Ray
ID Number
2008.0046.01
catalog number
2008.0046.01
accession number
2008.0046

Reveal No Secrets

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2008
maker
Szesko, Judith Jaidinger
ID Number
2015.0272.05
accession number
2015.0272
catalog number
2015.0272.05

The Dream

A poster supporting Barack Obama in 2008. The image was created by artist Ray Noland.Currently not on view
Description
A poster supporting Barack Obama in 2008. The image was created by artist Ray Noland.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2008
Associated Date
2008
artist; maker
Noland, Ray
depicted (sitter)
Obama, Barack H.
maker; artist
Noland, Ray
ID Number
2008.0046.05
accession number
2008.0046
catalog number
2008.0046.05

Go Tell Mama! I'm For Obama

A poster supporting Barack Obama in 2008. The image was created by artist Ray Noland.Currently not on view
Description
A poster supporting Barack Obama in 2008. The image was created by artist Ray Noland.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2007
2008
Associated Date
2007
2008
depicted (sitter)
Obama, Barack H.
artist
Noland, Ray
Noland, Ray
ID Number
2008.0046.04
accession number
2008.0046
catalog number
2008.0046.04
accession number
2008.0046

Noel

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2005
maker
Szesko, Judith Jaidinger
ID Number
2015.0272.04
accession number
2015.0272
catalog number
2015.0272.04

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