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.

Name: War Department

A Cell in the Monastery at Rangeval

Charcoal and watercolor color sketch on paper. This interior scene shows a room in a monastery in Rangeval, France. The cell holds many beds, two of which are occupied by American soldiers who are reading. Hanging clothes line the cracked plaster walls.
Description
Charcoal and watercolor color sketch on paper. This interior scene shows a room in a monastery in Rangeval, France. The cell holds many beds, two of which are occupied by American soldiers who are reading. Hanging clothes line the cracked plaster walls. Some sort of American flag is above one of the bunks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25909
catalog number
25909
accession number
64592

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

Lining up Before the Commissary, Cochem

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. The work depicts a street leading through the town of Cohcem, Germany at the end of World War I. Soldiers are lined up in the street outside of the Commissary. A tall building with a spire is visible in the background.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. The work depicts a street leading through the town of Cohcem, Germany at the end of World War I. Soldiers are lined up in the street outside of the Commissary. A tall building with a spire is visible in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25840
catalog number
25840
accession number
64592

At the Camouflage Factory in Dijon

A pastel, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on brown paper of a camouflage factory in Dijon, France. An open air building, several women are working on machines sewing cloth in front of a tall stack of brown material rolls. Wooden columns and beams on the roof can be seen.
Description
A pastel, charcoal, and watercolor sketch on brown paper of a camouflage factory in Dijon, France. An open air building, several women are working on machines sewing cloth in front of a tall stack of brown material rolls. Wooden columns and beams on the roof can be seen. A large brown tarp covers part of the right part and two women are working on a net below the tarp. Cloth in different colors are found on the left. Several buildings can be seen in the distance in the right as well as several people.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25912
catalog number
25912
accession number
64592

U.S. Troops Entering Coblenz

Charcoal, color crayon, and possibly ink wash sketch on board. Scene of a large square filled with civilians. Several soldiers can be seen among the crowd on horseback or, on the left, on a wheeled vehicle. The civilians are carrying umbrellas in the rain.
Description
Charcoal, color crayon, and possibly ink wash sketch on board. Scene of a large square filled with civilians. Several soldiers can be seen among the crowd on horseback or, on the left, on a wheeled vehicle. The civilians are carrying umbrellas in the rain. The square is lined with buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25792
catalog number
25792
accession number
64592

Relief Entering Nesle. (Detachment Fourth Infantry, U.S.A.)

Charcoal, crayon, ink wash, and gouache on beige card. The work depicts American infantry soldiers entering the town of Nesle, France. The men march with their gear, while a soldier in the foreground looks on, with his back to the viewer.
Description
Charcoal, crayon, ink wash, and gouache on beige card. The work depicts American infantry soldiers entering the town of Nesle, France. The men march with their gear, while a soldier in the foreground looks on, with his back to the viewer. The town's buildings are damaged from shelling. There is rubble in the street.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25663
catalog number
25663
accession number
64592

A Street Behind the Front

Pen and watercolor drawing on paper. This detailed sketch of a street scene is unusually polished for J. Andre Smith's wartime art, using pen hatching to create textures and watercolor chiaroscuro to create depth.
Description
Pen and watercolor drawing on paper. This detailed sketch of a street scene is unusually polished for J. Andre Smith's wartime art, using pen hatching to create textures and watercolor chiaroscuro to create depth. This work depicts American soldiers in a war-torn village behind the Western Front of World War I. The soldiers appear to be assisting with securing the shell-torn structures of the village. Light blue poles are installed along the facade of the the home in the background, preventing its collapse.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
maker
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25904
catalog number
25904
accession number
64592

Chaumont American Headquarters

Mixed media drawing on paper. The focal point of this view of Chaumont, France is the castle of the Counts of Champagne, which looms over the town in the drawing. Chaumont was the location of the American Expeditionary Force's Headquarters during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media drawing on paper. The focal point of this view of Chaumont, France is the castle of the Counts of Champagne, which looms over the town in the drawing. Chaumont was the location of the American Expeditionary Force's Headquarters during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25970
catalog number
25970
accession number
64592

Ciels-Maison, Near Chateau Thierry

Charcoal sketch on paper. Three army supply trucks pass through a French village. There is a large house in the background. To the left, a group of people are sitting in front of houses and there are some children playing.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. Three army supply trucks pass through a French village. There is a large house in the background. To the left, a group of people are sitting in front of houses and there are some children playing. They watch the trucks as they drive past.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26104
catalog number
26104
accession number
64592

Tressing Nets for Artillery Emplacements

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. A group of women, some standing on benches, are making camouflage nets at the Central Camouflage Depot in Dijon, France.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on paper. A group of women, some standing on benches, are making camouflage nets at the Central Camouflage Depot in Dijon, France. These nets were made of pieces of painted burlap tied to wire and were used to disguise artillery positions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25893
catalog number
25893
accession number
64592

Mezy and Surrounding Country

Pencil sketch on paper. This landscape depicts the village and surrounding countryside of Mezy, France during World War I. A body of water cuts through the center of the picture. A line of roughly sketched troops marches along a road outside of the village.
Description
Pencil sketch on paper. This landscape depicts the village and surrounding countryside of Mezy, France during World War I. A body of water cuts through the center of the picture. A line of roughly sketched troops marches along a road outside of the village. An inscription on the drawing, below the artist's signature, reads "Battle Field of the Marne - July 15-16 - 1918 - Sector of the 38 Regiment."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-15
1918-07-16
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26017
catalog number
26017
accession number
64592

Village (Soppe-le-Bas) in German Alsace

Ink wash sketch on paper. The sketch shows a village street that is lined with timber frame buildings. American troops walk up and down the street and stand or sit among the buildings.
Description
Ink wash sketch on paper. The sketch shows a village street that is lined with timber frame buildings. American troops walk up and down the street and stand or sit among the buildings. Lining the street are poles that have painted textiles hanging from them--forming several rows of what look like banners; these served as camouflage to prevent German observation balloons from watching troop movements. At the far left of the sketch, there is a water spigot in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25897 [dup1]
catalog number
25897
accession number
64592

American Troops Descending Avenue President Wilson

Pencil and ink wash sketch. The scene is of a group of American soldiers marching in formation in an urban square. One of the soldiers in the march is carrying an American flag. An airplane flies over the city. Washington statue on left.
Description
Pencil and ink wash sketch. The scene is of a group of American soldiers marching in formation in an urban square. One of the soldiers in the march is carrying an American flag. An airplane flies over the city. Washington statue on left. The sketch is on a piece of heavy card stock that is affixed to a piece of cardboard. Underneath the sketch, also attached to the cardboard, is a printed label that reads :"AMERICAN TROOPS DESCENDING AVENUE/PRESIDENT WILSON/Paris, July 4, 1918/BY E. PEIXOTTO/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2963."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25805
catalog number
25805
accession number
64592

The Ammonia Compressor at the Great Ice Plant, Gievres

Charcoal drawing on paper. The focal point of the drawing is a large machine. The drawing is framed by a pipeline on the left. On the right, in the background, are a set of stairs and more equipment.
Description
Charcoal drawing on paper. The focal point of the drawing is a large machine. The drawing is framed by a pipeline on the left. On the right, in the background, are a set of stairs and more equipment. The catalog card reads: "The entire plant, one of the largest in existence, was brought over and constructed by Americans."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25867
catalog number
25867
accession number
64592

A Billet, Neuvilly

Charcoal sketch on textured paper. A shell-torn building with two figures in an opening. A tent appears on the right side, partially obscured by a pillar of the building.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on textured paper. A shell-torn building with two figures in an opening. A tent appears on the right side, partially obscured by a pillar of the building.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25794
catalog number
25794
accession number
64592

Casemate Camp Des Romains

Charcoal sketch on paper. Through a large archway in the foreground, the viewer can see the interior of a building, filled with debris and deceased men. Rays of sun come through a hole in the building made by a shell.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. Through a large archway in the foreground, the viewer can see the interior of a building, filled with debris and deceased men. Rays of sun come through a hole in the building made by a shell. Original notation (on catalog card): "The Camp des Romains forms the apex of the St. Mihiel salient and its fortress was deemed impregnable. On the afternoon of Sept. 12th it was bombarded and a great shell pierced the arch of this casemate killing the commander's orderly and three other German soldiers. It was evacuated that night."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
Battle of St. Mihiel
1918-09-12-15
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25816
catalog number
25816
accession number
64592

Ruins of Baccarat

Ink wash sketch on paper, of a street lined by ruined buildings. The view is from the inside of a shell-torn building and looks to the opposite side of the street.
Description
Ink wash sketch on paper, of a street lined by ruined buildings. The view is from the inside of a shell-torn building and looks to the opposite side of the street. A woman, stooped and holding the hand of a small child, passes an American soldier in the street.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25861
catalog number
25861
accession number
64592

Saumur on the Loire

Pencil and ink wash sketch on white paper. In the background is a large building, in front of which are troops engaging in training. In the left foreground are a group of American soldiers, all wearing the Montana-peak style hat. Next to them is a tripod of some sort.
Description
Pencil and ink wash sketch on white paper. In the background is a large building, in front of which are troops engaging in training. In the left foreground are a group of American soldiers, all wearing the Montana-peak style hat. Next to them is a tripod of some sort. Catalog card indicates that the sketch is of a training school for American artillery officers at Saumur on the Loire.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25862
catalog number
25862
accession number
64592

Our Troops Entering Coblenz

Charcoal sketch on white paper. Armed American soldiers carrying supplies march through a Coblenz street whose sides are crowded with civilians, many of whom are holding umbrellas. There are two large buildings in the background.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Armed American soldiers carrying supplies march through a Coblenz street whose sides are crowded with civilians, many of whom are holding umbrellas. There are two large buildings 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.26114
catalog number
26114
accession number
64592

Village Square in Bouresches

Charcoal and pencil sketch on paper. The focal point of the drawing is a large denuded tree that looks like it has been shelled. There is a man arranging something (possibly rocks for a grave) at the base of the tree.
Description
Charcoal and pencil sketch on paper. The focal point of the drawing is a large denuded tree that looks like it has been shelled. There is a man arranging something (possibly rocks for a grave) at the base of the tree. The background depicts the buildings of a square, all of which have been shelled.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25896
catalog number
25896
accession number
64592

Moselbrucke at Coblenz

Charcoal sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows a town across a river. On the right, there is a bridge that crosses the river into town, and on the left there is a large castle-like building.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows a town across a river. On the right, there is a bridge that crosses the river into town, and on the left there is a large castle-like building. There are people on the river bank on the right, and more buildings visible in the distance.
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.26013
catalog number
26013
accession number
64592

Tanks in Action

Oil painting on canvas. Camouflaged Renault T17 with camouflaged ball crossing a trench in foreground. Camouflaged Renault T17 in left background. Grey smoke above in top left background.Currently not on view
Description
Oil painting on canvas. Camouflaged Renault T17 with camouflaged ball crossing a trench in foreground. Camouflaged Renault T17 in left background. Grey smoke above in top left 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.26132
catalog number
26132
accession number
64592

Langres

Pencil and watercolor sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows a town, Langres, on a hilltop. The town spreads down the sides of the hill, where people have built houses. There is a church and several large buildings at the top of the hill.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows a town, Langres, on a hilltop. The town spreads down the sides of the hill, where people have built houses. There is a church and several large buildings at the top of the hill. At the bottom of the hill, there are fields that go off into the distance.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26008
catalog number
26008
accession number
64592

Verdun Offensive

Charcoal and crayon drawing on textured cream wove paper. The paper is mounted on heavy brown cardboard. Troops on foot and mounted on horses in foreground. A line of heavy artillery and soldiers dominate the center of the drawing.
Description
Charcoal and crayon drawing on textured cream wove paper. The paper is mounted on heavy brown cardboard. Troops on foot and mounted on horses in foreground. A line of heavy artillery and soldiers dominate the center of the drawing. Smoke plumes trail out of the artillery guns; the background is misty with smoke.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25730
catalog number
25730
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.