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

Bridge at Echternach

Mixed media sketch on paper. View of a small bridge in the town of Echternach, Luxembourg during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. View of a small bridge in the town of Echternach, Luxembourg 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.25955
catalog number
25955
accession number
64592

The Air Raid

Charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a German air raid over a city. Depicted is a gray German biplane with two black and white greek crosses on the wings and a rudder painted red, white, and black.
Description
Charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a German air raid over a city. Depicted is a gray German biplane with two black and white greek crosses on the wings and a rudder painted red, white, and black. The plane is flying over a city filled with buildings that are white with red roofs. Directly below the plane is what appears to be a village square with a round fountain filled with blue water. Signed at bottom left by the artist, "Harvey Dunn, AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
maker
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25715
catalog number
25715
accession number
64592

The Hurry Call, Night of May 30, 1918, in the Toul Sector

Charcoal on white paper of two Army ambulances responding to a "hurry call" or emergency summons on the night of May 30, 1918, in the Toul Sector of France. The ambulances (possibly Ford Model T's) have large medical crosses on the side.
Description
Charcoal on white paper of two Army ambulances responding to a "hurry call" or emergency summons on the night of May 30, 1918, in the Toul Sector of France. The ambulances (possibly Ford Model T's) have large medical crosses on the side. American soldiers in uniform march along the road to the right of the ambulances. On the left side of the road, wounded soldiers walk in the opposite direction of the ambulances.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
1918-05
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26125
catalog number
26125
accession number
64592

Edward McGlachlin

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General Edward McGlachlin. Army Service Ribbon for Decorations and Medals include the Sampson Medal. McClachlin wears a officer's pin on his collar and a 1st Infantry Division insignia patch on the shoulder of his left arm sleeve.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General Edward McGlachlin. Army Service Ribbon for Decorations and Medals include the Sampson Medal. McClachlin wears a officer's pin on his collar and a 1st Infantry Division insignia patch on the shoulder of his left arm sleeve. He also wears a Sam Browne belt.
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.58100M
catalog number
58100M
accession number
203612

The Marne at Jaulgonne

Pencil and ink wash sketch on paper. The drawing is a view of the River Marne near Jaulgonne, France during World War I. Men are working on a hydraulic mill in the foreground of the work.
Description
Pencil and ink wash sketch on paper. The drawing is a view of the River Marne near Jaulgonne, France during World War I. Men are working on a hydraulic mill in the foreground of the work. Several buildings with shell damage are shown in the background on the banks of the river.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08-01
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25881
catalog number
25881
accession number
64592

Tents and Barracks at Gievres

Mixed media sketch (charcoal, pastel, and likely watercolor and/or gouache) on paper. In the center of the sketch is a stand of tall trees. Tents and other low structures form a line through the drawing. Several soldiers stand among the crop rows.
Description
Mixed media sketch (charcoal, pastel, and likely watercolor and/or gouache) on paper. In the center of the sketch is a stand of tall trees. Tents and other low structures form a line through the drawing. Several soldiers stand among the crop rows. There appear to be several telephone or telegraph poles in the background, behind the tents. These barracks were located at Gievres, France during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26067
catalog number
26067
accession number
64592

American-French Conference

Crayon and charcoal sketch on heavy cream wove paper. This is a crowded scene of American and French troops in a small, dark wine cellar. On the left, the Americans and French are gathered around a table; their faces are illuminated by a light on the table.
Description
Crayon and charcoal sketch on heavy cream wove paper. This is a crowded scene of American and French troops in a small, dark wine cellar. On the left, the Americans and French are gathered around a table; their faces are illuminated by a light on the table. On the right is a French soldier reclining; two soldiers are beside him, one of whom is wearing a sling around his right arm.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25729
catalog number
25729
accession number
64592

Valley of the Alzette, Luxembourg

Charcoal and ink wash drawing on white paper. The sketch is a view of a village on the Alzette River in Luxembourg during World War I. A church spire frames the right foreground of the drawing.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash drawing on white paper. The sketch is a view of a village on the Alzette River in Luxembourg during World War I. A church spire frames the right foreground of the drawing. There are two bridges spanning the river: a small one in the bottom foreground and a large one in the distance. A steep bluff abuts the town on the left, and hills are visible in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25895
catalog number
25895
accession number
64592

The Luxembourg Frontier

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch shows the Moselle river and a riverside village to its right in the distance. The village has a church and a few large buildings.
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The sketch shows the Moselle river and a riverside village to its right in the distance. The village has a church and a few large buildings. There are people (possibly soldiers) along the river bank and on the road headed into the village. There are mountains on the left side of the river.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-11
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26065
catalog number
26065
accession number
64592

Seicheprey

Oil on canvas. Painting of damaged buildings. Large severly damged buildings in background. A building, possibly a church, has part of its tower remaining in left background. A building with a open doorway and no roof in right background.
Description
Oil on canvas. Painting of damaged buildings. Large severly damged buildings in background. A building, possibly a church, has part of its tower remaining in left background. A building with a open doorway and no roof in right background. Three soldiers rest near the open door way. A soldier, facing away from the viewer, is carrying a gun on his back in left foreground. Catalogue card reads "Seicheprey. In the front lines where the first gas attack was launched against men of the 26th Division in the spring of 1918."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.35932
catalog number
35932
accession number
104470

Prisoners and Wounded

Charcoal, watercolor, and pastel painting on beige paper of German prisoners and wounded American soldiers. Depicted at center are five German soldier prisoners in blue and black uniforms with red trim.
Description
Charcoal, watercolor, and pastel painting on beige paper of German prisoners and wounded American soldiers. Depicted at center are five German soldier prisoners in blue and black uniforms with red trim. They are supporting a stretcher on their shoulders which is carrying a wounded American soldier covered in a blanket. To the left of the Germans are two severely wounded American soldiers, one with a bandaged and bloody arm who is supporting the second soldier with his arm around his shoulder. To the right of the Germans is another wounded American soldier with bloody bandages wrapped around his shoulder and his arm in a sling. Behind these soldiers are rows of other American soldiers in uniform, with helmets and rifles with bayonets, and one German prisoner wearing an officer uniform. Portions of barbed wire can be seen in the background at left. The soldiers appear to be marching down a road. Signed at bottom left by the artist, "Harvey Dunn, AEF, Oct. 1918"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25726B
accession number
64592
catalog number
25726B

The Trail to Belleau Wood

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26078
catalog number
26078
accession number
64592

Troops Leaving Esnes

Mixed media sketch on paper. In the sketch, a column of troops advances down a road that runs from the left background to the right foreground. The landscape behind the troops shows the effects of the war.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. In the sketch, a column of troops advances down a road that runs from the left background to the right foreground. The landscape behind the troops shows the effects of the war. A piece of equipment appears to be stuck on the side of the road on the left side of the sketch.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09-26
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25892
catalog number
25892
accession number
64592

A Wounded "Tanker"

Charcoal sketch on white paper of soldiers helping a wounded "tanker" or tank operator. Two American soldiers kneel on the group helping another wounded soldier, while a large tank behind them shields the soldiers from harm. Another soldier is looking out the window of the tank.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper of soldiers helping a wounded "tanker" or tank operator. Two American soldiers kneel on the group helping another wounded soldier, while a large tank behind them shields the soldiers from harm. Another soldier is looking out the window of the tank. In the background at right, another tank and a dark cloud of smoke are visible.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26093
catalog number
26093
accession number
64592

The Rhine, Looking Upstream from Coblenz

Pencil (and possibly watercolor?) sketch on white paper and mounted on thick brown paper. Focal point of sketch is a bridge that crosses the Rhine river in Coblenz. To the right there is a large building and a small park with trees, bushes, and a path along the riverside.
Description
Pencil (and possibly watercolor?) sketch on white paper and mounted on thick brown paper. Focal point of sketch is a bridge that crosses the Rhine river in Coblenz. To the right there is a large building and a small park with trees, bushes, and a path along the riverside. To the left, on the other side of the river, there is a town, complete with a church steeple and houses. There are rolling hills behind the town.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26038
catalog number
26038
accession number
64592

Brieulles-sur-Meuse

Oil on canvas. Three soldiers climb a hill in front of large buildings with varying levels of damange in center background. The largest building has a turret with a cone shaped roof. A wooden frame of a builing, with no roof, in left background.
Description
Oil on canvas. Three soldiers climb a hill in front of large buildings with varying levels of damange in center background. The largest building has a turret with a cone shaped roof. A wooden frame of a builing, with no roof, in left background. Three soldiers run along a road in right background. A fire burns in the distance in center foreground. A wooden post sticks out of the ground in left foreground. Catalogue card reads "Scene of fierce fighting in the -- phase of the Argonne offensive."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.35931
catalog number
35931
accession number
104470

Contact with the Enemy

Charcoal sketch on white paper. German soldiers run towards unseen enemy. A demolished wagon and dead horse are seen in the foreground. German helmets, guns, and dead bodies are strewn about on the ground.
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. German soldiers run towards unseen enemy. A demolished wagon and dead horse are seen in the foreground. German helmets, guns, and dead bodies are strewn about on the ground. Two trees and two tanks are seen in the background on the right side.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Townsend, Harry
artist
Townsend, Harry
ID Number
AF.26101
catalog number
26101
accession number
64592

Cut Glass Bowl

From its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution was assumed to be the keeper of the national collections, although the "United States National Museum" did not emerge as a formal entity until 1858.
Description
From its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution was assumed to be the keeper of the national collections, although the "United States National Museum" did not emerge as a formal entity until 1858. Natural history and anthropology artifacts were the focus of the Museum's earliest collecting efforts, but by the late 19th century the Museum was collecting household goods, manufactured for the American and European market, that demonstrated technological and artistic advances in a wide range of industries. Between 1885 and 1920, American glass companies played an important role in building the new collections by donating examples of their currently fashionable glassware.
T. G. Hawkes & Company of Corning, New York, donated examples of their work to the Museum in 1917 and 1918, showcasing their rich or brilliant-cut glass. This bowl, donated by the firm in 1917, is cut and engraved, but also mounted in sterling silver—a newly fashionable style at the time.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1917
maker
T. G. Hawkes & Co.
ID Number
CE.1287ab
accession number
61165
catalog number
1287ab

William M. Wainwright

Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General William M. Wright.
Description
Oil on illustration board. Portrait of two star General William M. Wright. Army Service Ribbons for Decorations and Medals include: Spanish Campaign, Army of Cuban Occupation, Sampson Medal, Army of Cuban Pacification, and a Unknown Ribbon (yellow ribbon with a band of blue in center, possibly Mexican Service). Wright wears a officer pin on the collar of his tunic and possibly a early design insignia of the 35th Division (blue square tilted to look like a diamond with a outline of a white circle in its center). He also wears a service cap with the insignia of the United States and a Sam Browne belt. Only Wright's head, hat, collar, insignia, service ribbons, and part of his Sam Browne belt have been filled in with color. He has grey hair, brown eyes, and is clean shaven. Wright's signature in red crayon is at the bottom center of the portrait.
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.37728
catalog number
37728
accession number
117218

Constructing the Great Wharves at Montoir

Mixed media drawing on paper. A field bordered by long, low barracks. Soldiers at work and a stack of supplies occupy the field.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media drawing on paper. A field bordered by long, low barracks. Soldiers at work and a stack of supplies occupy the field.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25971
catalog number
25971
accession number
64592

Troops Advancing into Action Beyond Seicheprey

Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. American soldiers march in a line off into the distance, while horses and wagons follow on a road parallel to them. Each roads are headed towards the direction of battle.
Description
Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. American soldiers march in a line off into the distance, while horses and wagons follow on a road parallel to them. Each roads are headed towards the direction of battle. There is a mountain range in the background on the left, and fields in the distance to the right. There are trenches in the foreground.
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
1918-10-13
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26068
catalog number
26068
accession number
64592

The Main Street in Sanzey

Brush and ink wash sketch with touches of graphite. Sketch depicts a road leading through a village. A church with a large steeple dominates the scene. Troops with horses and a wagon are on the right, lined up against the building.
Description
Brush and ink wash sketch with touches of graphite. Sketch depicts a road leading through a village. A church with a large steeple dominates the scene. Troops with horses and a wagon are on the right, lined up against the building. Smaller buildings and a water trough are on the left. Down the road, a mounted soldier's horse rears in front of a man and small child. The sketch is executed on white wove paper mounted on beige card that has been 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.25703
catalog number
25703
accession number
64592

Crossing the Rhine at Coblenz

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of the first American soldiers to cross the Rhine river at Coblenz, Germany (now known as Koblenz) after the Armistice of World War I. A pontoon bridge provides a crossing over the Rhine River.
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of the first American soldiers to cross the Rhine river at Coblenz, Germany (now known as Koblenz) after the Armistice of World War I. A pontoon bridge provides a crossing over the Rhine River. On the left of the bridge is a column of soldiers; a few vehicles are on the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12-13
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25968
catalog number
25968
accession number
64592

A Street in Baccarat

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of Baccarat, France during World War I. Shell-damaged buildings make up this street scene.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of Baccarat, France during World War I. Shell-damaged buildings make up this street scene.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25945
catalog number
25945
accession number
64592

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