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 (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

Wagons and Tents at Menil-La-Tour

Mixed media sketch on paper. This artwork by J. Andre Smith depcits wagons and tents deployed to the west of the village of Menil-la-Tour, France in World War I.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. This artwork by J. Andre Smith depcits wagons and tents deployed to the west of the village of Menil-la-Tour, France in World War I. Groups of men, wagons, tents, and a horse corral are shown in the foreground, and the spire from the village church is visable in the background of the composition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26090
catalog number
26090
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

Unloading Ship at Bassen Docks

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of cranes unloaded a ship at Bassen Docks in Bordeaux, France. At top right is a crane lifting a camouflaged jeep. A white ship is in the background with a large smokestack at the left.
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of cranes unloaded a ship at Bassen Docks in Bordeaux, France. At top right is a crane lifting a camouflaged jeep. A white ship is in the background with a large smokestack at the left. There is a train locomotive in the left foreground bellowing smoke and two white horses, harnessed, standing in front of the train. Soldiers and workers are scattered around the ship and the docks, pushing carts, loading wagons, and observing the unloading. Signed at bottom right by the artist, "W.J. Aylward, A.E.F. '19"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25678
catalog number
25678
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

St. Juvin

Charcoal and graphite sketch on paper. The sketch shows several shell-torn buildings in Saint-Juvin, France during World War I. In the foreground of the work, surrounding a dirt road, are damaged buildings, debris, a broken telephone pole, and a motor truck.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and graphite sketch on paper. The sketch shows several shell-torn buildings in Saint-Juvin, France during World War I. In the foreground of the work, surrounding a dirt road, are damaged buildings, debris, a broken telephone pole, and a motor truck.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25864
catalog number
25864
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

A Quiet Game in Essey

Pen and ink sketch of an interior scene of a soldiers' billet. One group of men is playing cards while others watch. Another group appears on the other side of a clothesline. There is a horse in the left background. Sketch is done on tan card.Currently not on view
Description
Pen and ink sketch of an interior scene of a soldiers' billet. One group of men is playing cards while others watch. Another group appears on the other side of a clothesline. There is a horse in the left background. Sketch is done on tan card.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09-15
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25687
catalog number
25687
accession number
64592

Billets in Cell of the Old Monastery of Rangeval

Charcoal sketch on blue-gray paper. The work depicts a group of soldiers billeted in a cell of the old Monastery of Rangeval near Boucq, France.
Description
Charcoal sketch on blue-gray paper. The work depicts a group of soldiers billeted in a cell of the old Monastery of Rangeval near Boucq, France. A drawing on the wall above the sleeping pallets shows France (the woman) killing "the German monster." Soldiers are lounging on cots beneath the drawing. A line of drying laundry hangs on the left side 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.25809
catalog number
25809
accession number
64592

Monument Left to the Memory of the German Occupation of Flirey

Brush and ink wash with touches of graphite. A large ruin stands in the center of the sketch; some small trees or shrubs are to the left of the ruin. Sketch done on beige wove paper mounted on tan card with decorative ruled graphite lines.
Description
Brush and ink wash with touches of graphite. A large ruin stands in the center of the sketch; some small trees or shrubs are to the left of the ruin. Sketch done on beige wove paper mounted on tan card with decorative ruled graphite lines. A label attached to the center bottom of the card mount reads: "MONUMENT LEFT TO THE MEMORY OF THE/GERMAN OCCUPATION OF FLIREY/BY W. J. DUNCAN/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2854."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09-13
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25696
catalog number
25696
accession number
64592

Mandres

Pencil sketch on paper. In this French village scene from World War I, American soldiers walk down a road leading through a small town. On the building on the right is a sign that reads "MANDRES" hanging from an entryway.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil sketch on paper. In this French village scene from World War I, American soldiers walk down a road leading through a small town. On the building on the right is a sign that reads "MANDRES" hanging from an entryway.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26015
catalog number
26015
accession number
64592

Mine Crater, on the Road to Varennes

Charcoal, ink wash, and crayon sketch on white paper. The drawing depicts a large crater, filled with water, on a road to Varennes, France. The ridges around the crater are lined with American soldiers.
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and crayon sketch on white paper. The drawing depicts a large crater, filled with water, on a road to Varennes, France. The ridges around the crater are lined with American soldiers. Museum records pertaining to this object indicate: "This great mine crater, 160 feet wide, was in the main road and American engineers are here seen lowering its top and filling it in preparatory to bridging it over."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25847
catalog number
25847
accession number
64592

The Rhine at Coblenz

Charcoal sketch on paper of the Rhine river in Coblenz, Germany. To the left of the river, in the town of Coblenz, is a busy street with several vehicles, street cars, and pedestrians. There are several boats docked along the river.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper of the Rhine river in Coblenz, Germany. To the left of the river, in the town of Coblenz, is a busy street with several vehicles, street cars, and pedestrians. There are several boats docked along the river. Across the river on the right is the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress standing on top of Ehrenbreitstein hill.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12
associated person
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25884
catalog number
25884
accession number
64592

Field No 1, Issoudun

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of an airfield at Issoudun, France. On the right is a line of grounded airplanes; many airplanes are also flying above the field. On the left is a row of hangars. This field is part of the Third Aviation Instruction Center, the U.S.
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of an airfield at Issoudun, France. On the right is a line of grounded airplanes; many airplanes are also flying above the field. On the left is a row of hangars. This field is part of the Third Aviation Instruction Center, the U.S. Air Service's largest training base in Europe 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.25983
catalog number
25983
accession number
64592

Dugouts of the 5th Marines

Charcoal sketch on white paper. The work depicts American soldiers at their dugouts in a forested area.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. The work depicts American soldiers at their dugouts in a forested area.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25765
catalog number
25765
accession number
64592

A Street Corner at Badonviller

Pencil and watercolor on paper. The work depicts a street corner at Badonviller, France during World War I. A large pile of bundled supplies sits in front of a building with a sign reading "Cafe Des Halles."Currently not on view
Description
Pencil and watercolor on paper. The work depicts a street corner at Badonviller, France during World War I. A large pile of bundled supplies sits in front of a building with a sign reading "Cafe Des Halles."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25940
catalog number
25940
accession number
64592

Out from Battle

Charcoal sketch, with some color, on card. The drawing depicts two soldiers carrying a wounded man on a stretcher; other wounded soldiers follow them. Barbed wire entanglement on right. There appears to be smoke on the horizon.
Description
Charcoal sketch, with some color, on card. The drawing depicts two soldiers carrying a wounded man on a stretcher; other wounded soldiers follow them. Barbed wire entanglement on right. There appears to be smoke on the horizon. Something indistinct sits in the sky on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25777
catalog number
25777
accession number
64592

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