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

American Observation Post ... Near Verdun ... Handimont

Black and white sketch. A soldier stands at the top of a set of stairs in a shell-torn building. The sketch is done on heavy white card; this is affixed to a larger piece of white cardboard.Currently not on view
Description
Black and white sketch. A soldier stands at the top of a set of stairs in a shell-torn building. The sketch is done on heavy white card; this is affixed to a larger piece of white cardboard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25802
catalog number
25802
accession number
64592

The Crossroads, Buzancy

Ink wash sketch on white card stock. The drawing depicts a street corner at a crossroads in Buzancy, France. Buildings line the street in front of a tall church steeple in the background.
Description
Ink wash sketch on white card stock. The drawing depicts a street corner at a crossroads in Buzancy, France. Buildings line the street in front of a tall church steeple in the background. The street is lined with business signs; an English one reads: "American Postal [illegible] Station." The other signs are in different languages.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25874
catalog number
25874
accession number
64592
64592

American Soldiers Billeted in Reception

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on blue-gray paper. Interior scene. American soldiers billeted in the a room of an old Benedictine Monastery in the Toul Sector. Soldiers engaged in a game of cards. The sketch is matted on heavy white card stock.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on blue-gray paper. Interior scene. American soldiers billeted in the a room of an old Benedictine Monastery in the Toul Sector. Soldiers engaged in a game of cards. The sketch is matted on heavy white card stock.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25803
catalog number
25803
accession number
64592

Courtyard in Echternach

Mixed media sketch on paper. Soldiers, horses, and wagons gathered in a courtyard in the town of Echternach, Luxembourg. Many of the soldiers are under a temporary structure on the left.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. Soldiers, horses, and wagons gathered in a courtyard in the town of Echternach, Luxembourg. Many of the soldiers are under a temporary structure on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25964
catalog number
25964
accession number
64592

The Bridge at Dormans

Ink and pencil sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. This sketch shows a destroyed suspension bridge. There are buildings to the left, and water and hills to the right. There are men under and on top of the bridge.Currently not on view
Description
Ink and pencil sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. This sketch shows a destroyed suspension bridge. There are buildings to the left, and water and hills to the right. There are men under and on top of the bridge.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26077
catalog number
26077
accession number
64592

Tank Surprises and Cleans Up

Charcoal sketch on white paper of a tank at a German machine gun nest. A Renault FT-17 tank has its guns pointed at a German machine gun nest. One German soldier is standing with his hands held up in surrender.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper of a tank at a German machine gun nest. A Renault FT-17 tank has its guns pointed at a German machine gun nest. One German soldier is standing with his hands held up in surrender. There is another Renault tank in the background and a plume of smoke from an explosion. More soldiers can be seen in the background at left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26092
catalog number
26092
accession number
64592

Making Nets and Camouflage Material

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on blue-gray paper. Women are making nets and camouflage material in a large tent-like structure in Dijon, France. The structure appears to be fortified with sand bags at one end.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on blue-gray paper. Women are making nets and camouflage material in a large tent-like structure in Dijon, France. The structure appears to be fortified with sand bags at one end. There is a label attached to the bottom center of the sketch that reads: "MAKING NETS AND CAMOUFLAGE MATERIAL/Central Camouflage Depot at Dijon/BY E. PEIXOTTO/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/3004."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25846
catalog number
25846
accession number
64592

Our Cavalry, a Halt on Their Way to the Front. French Cavalry Coming Out.

Charcoal sketch on white paper. American cavalry are stopped by the side of the road so their horses can rest, while French cavalry ride past. American soldier standing by his horse in the foreground. French cavalry riding to the front in the background.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. American cavalry are stopped by the side of the road so their horses can rest, while French cavalry ride past. American soldier standing by his horse in the foreground. French cavalry riding to the front in the background. The Americans and French are framed by trees on the left and large sticks carried by the French on the 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.26116
catalog number
26116
accession number
64592

A Battery of French 75's

Charcoal with brush and ink wash. Horizontal landscape format. Several buildings and trees in background; four pieces of field artillery going into action. Soldiers standing at each canon. Pile of shot on the ground in the left of the sketch.
Description
Charcoal with brush and ink wash. Horizontal landscape format. Several buildings and trees in background; four pieces of field artillery going into action. Soldiers standing at each canon. Pile of shot on the ground in the left of the sketch. Sketch done on white wove paper mounted on beige card with decorative ruled lines in graphite on the mount.
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.25685
catalog number
25685
accession number
64592

Exploded Boche Dump at Cierges

Charcoal, crayon, and pastel drawing on heavy textured laid paper. The work depicts a destroyed German army dump at Cierges, France during World War I.
Description
Charcoal, crayon, and pastel drawing on heavy textured laid paper. The work depicts a destroyed German army dump at Cierges, France during World War I. In the center of the drawing is a large crater in the ground surrounded by vehicle parts, trees, ammunition shells, and other debris. Several deceased German soldiers are lying in the foreground. Damaged buildings are visible in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25756
catalog number
25756
accession number
64592

Boppard on the Rhine in the American Sector

Charcoal sketch on off-white paper. The work depicts the town of Boppard, Germany from across the Rhine river. Two steamships are shown on the river. A church is visible on the river bank in the left of the sketch.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on off-white paper. The work depicts the town of Boppard, Germany from across the Rhine river. Two steamships are shown on the river. A church is visible on the river bank in the left of the sketch.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25811
catalog number
25811
accession number
64592

The G. C. at Dawn, Badonviller

Charcoal sketch on paper of a lone soldier standing watch in a trench. The soldier has his knife drawn. Trees in the background.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper of a lone soldier standing watch in a trench. The soldier has his knife drawn. Trees in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25786
catalog number
25786
accession number
64592

Varennes

Mixed media sketch on paper. In this work U.S. Captain J. Andre Smith illustrates the French commune of Varennes-en-Argonne during World War I.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. In this work U.S. Captain J. Andre Smith illustrates the French commune of Varennes-en-Argonne during World War I. Damaged buildings are shown atop of a hill along with other structures and figures which are likely soldiers walking along the Aire River.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26084
catalog number
26084
accession number
64592

The Village of Vaux

Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows the village of Vaux, which has sustained significant damage. Some houses have holes in the roof, while others have crumbling walls.
Description
Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows the village of Vaux, which has sustained significant damage. Some houses have holes in the roof, while others have crumbling walls. There are rolling hills in the background with fields and trees.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26072
catalog number
26072
accession number
64592

Charles S. Farnsworth

A three-quarters portrait of Charles S. Farnsworth depicted as Major General, commanding 37th Division. An oil painting on an illlustration board. A white man, Major General Farnsworth has white hair and a gray moustache and is looking to his left.
Description
A three-quarters portrait of Charles S. Farnsworth depicted as Major General, commanding 37th Division. An oil painting on an illlustration board. A white man, Major General Farnsworth has white hair and a gray moustache and is looking to his left. He is wearing a brown uniform, an overseas cap, and a Sam Browne belt. The overseas cap has a yellow trim and one star visible on the left side (since he is looking to his left, the other star might not be visible). On both sides of the collar, U.S. officer collar insignia can be seen and eight military ribbons on his left chest (Identification of the ribbons below). Two stars can be seen on the right shoulder strap representing his rank as Major General. A yellow downward chevron can be seen on his left arm sleeve, indicating at least six months of service overseas. His signature can be seen on the lower left portion of the portrait.
The identifications of the eight ribbons are given below proceeding from the top row to the bottom and from left to right: Spanish Campaign, Army of Cuban Occupation, Mexican Service, Army of Cuban Pacification, Distinguished Service Medal, unidentified, Croix de Guerre, and unidentified. One of the unidentified ribbons might be the French Legion of Honor. The ribbons are difficult to distinguish because his body is facing left at an angle and the artist's lack of details for the bottom ribbon.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
maker
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.58081M
catalog number
58081M
accession number
203612

Grady Parrish

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of Sergeant Grady Parrish. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Distinguished Service Cross. Parrish wears a M1910 haversack with his M1917 helmet (with chinstrap) hung from his mess kit.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of Sergeant Grady Parrish. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Distinguished Service Cross. Parrish wears a M1910 haversack with his M1917 helmet (with chinstrap) hung from his mess kit. He wears three gold chevrons on his right arm sleeve (indicating wounding or gassing) and a Alabama State Letters collar disk. Parrish's right arm has not been filled in with color.
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.58061M
catalog number
58061M
accession number
203612

Soldiers in a Trench

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67850M
accession number
229290
catalog number
67850M

The House with a Shell Hole

Black and white pencil sketch on white paper, mounted to thick paper. Sketch shows the damage of one shell to a townhouse. The entire front wall of the house is missing, and the debris and rubble on the three floors is visible to the outside world.
Description
Black and white pencil sketch on white paper, mounted to thick paper. Sketch shows the damage of one shell to a townhouse. The entire front wall of the house is missing, and the debris and rubble on the three floors is visible to the outside world. More debris is scattered in the front yard. Two other, virtually undamaged houses surround what was once a home.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26046
catalog number
26046
accession number
64592

August Steidl

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of Sergeant August Steidl. Steidl wears the Medaille Militaire medal and the Croix de Guerre with Palm above his left breast pocket. He possibily wears a collar disk but it has not been filled in with color or detail.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of Sergeant August Steidl. Steidl wears the Medaille Militaire medal and the Croix de Guerre with Palm above his left breast pocket. He possibily wears a collar disk but it has not been filled in with color or detail. Steidl has his arms crossed and has brown eyes and a moustache. Only his head and medals have been filled in with color. Steidl's signature is in the bottom left corner in pencil.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Chase, Joseph Cummings
Chase, Joseph Cummings
artist
Chase, Joseph Cummings
ID Number
AF.58065M
catalog number
58065M
accession number
203612

In the Church at Beaumont

Mixed media sketch on paper. The sketch shows two American soldiers sitting in the open air in what was the interior of a church in France during World War I. The only surviving part of the church that is visible is the front wall.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. The sketch shows two American soldiers sitting in the open air in what was the interior of a church in France during World War I. The only surviving part of the church that is visible is the front wall. There are large piles of debris throughout the sketch, and one of the soldiers is sitting on a pile of rubble.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26007
catalog number
26007
accession number
64592

In the Valley of the Haute-Marne

Watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch shows a village bordered by a canal in Haute-Marne, France during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch shows a village bordered by a canal in Haute-Marne, France during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-03-27
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26003
catalog number
26003
accession number
64592

William M. Butterfield

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of Sergeant William M. Butterfield. Butterfield wears a 32nd Infantry Brigade patch on the shoulder of his left arm sleeve. He also wears a M1917 helmet with chinstrap and a cartridge belt.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of Sergeant William M. Butterfield. Butterfield wears a 32nd Infantry Brigade patch on the shoulder of his left arm sleeve. He also wears a M1917 helmet with chinstrap and a cartridge belt. Butterfield is also holding a rifle with his right hand on the stock of the weapon.
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.58043M
catalog number
58043M
accession number
203612

A Battlefield at Mezy

A pencil and charcoal sketch on paper. Landscape of an area that was part of the Second Battle of the Marne during World War I. A railroad track runs through the center of the sketch, bordered by fields where some of the fighting took place.
Description
A pencil and charcoal sketch on paper. Landscape of an area that was part of the Second Battle of the Marne during World War I. A railroad track runs through the center of the sketch, bordered by fields where some of the fighting took place. An inscription at the bottom of the sketch reads, "2nd Battle of the Marne - Railroad Embankment at Mezy - Sector of the 38 Regt."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08-02
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25949
catalog number
25949
accession number
64592

A General View of Base Hospital No. 16, at Bazoilles

Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper mounted on brown card. The subject of the drawing is Base Hospital No. 16, at Bazoilles-sur-Meuse, France, during World War I.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper mounted on brown card. The subject of the drawing is Base Hospital No. 16, at Bazoilles-sur-Meuse, France, during World War I. The perspective is from a northeast position looking southwest toward two sets of hospital buildings on opposite sides of the river. The hospital complex on the right is composed of tents and barracks set up in orderly rows in front of a grove of trees. Several town buildings are in the center of the work including a tower which might be the steeple of a church.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25927
catalog number
25927
accession number
64592

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