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

First Americans Crossing the Rhine

Charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts American troops crossing a bridge over the Rhine in the city of Koblenz, Germany. The bridge, made of planks laid over a series of boats, cuts vertically through the foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts American troops crossing a bridge over the Rhine in the city of Koblenz, Germany. The bridge, made of planks laid over a series of boats, cuts vertically through the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25826
catalog number
25826
accession number
64592

German Machine Gun Position

Charcoal sketch of a German machine gun position. The position is located in a clearing bordered by trees in the background. Rifles, stick grenades, and other pieces of ordnance are visible on the ground in the foreground.
Description
Charcoal sketch of a German machine gun position. The position is located in a clearing bordered by trees in the background. Rifles, stick grenades, and other pieces of ordnance are visible on the ground in the foreground. Several of the trees are bare and and apparently shell-torn.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Morgan, Wallace
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25769
catalog number
25769
accession number
64592

On Hill 204, Southwest of Chateau Thierry

Colored sketch on white paper mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows "Hill 204." The hill has several demolished trees. There is a group of American soldiers standing on the hill in the background.
Description
Colored sketch on white paper mounted on thick paper. Sketch shows "Hill 204." The hill has several demolished trees. There is a group of American soldiers standing on the hill in the background. One of them seems to be advancing up the slope, while the others just appear to be standing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26021
catalog number
26021
accession number
64592

Over the Top

Charcoal sketch on paper. American soldiers and tanks make their way forward over trenches and through shell-torn earth. An observation balloon floats on the horizon at left.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. American soldiers and tanks make their way forward over trenches and through shell-torn earth. An observation balloon floats on the horizon at left. A jumble of barbed wire entanglements line the foreground.
The work's title, "Over the Top," refers to soldiers rising out of the trenches and attacking over open land, which exposed them to enemy fire. This dark landscape illustrates the machines and technology used in World War I.
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.26030
catalog number
26030
accession number
64592

At Brieulles-sur-Meuse, Argonne Sector

Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige paper mounted on brown card. The work depicts shell-torn buildings at Brieulles-sur-Meuse in the Argonne sector of France during World War I.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on beige paper mounted on brown card. The work depicts shell-torn buildings at Brieulles-sur-Meuse in the Argonne sector of France during World War I. The building in the right foreground is severely damaged at one end, with roof beams and interior rooms visible through the debris. Two soldiers are standing next to the damaged area. The building in the background has less extensive damage, but makeshift stairs have been built to enter the building at its first and second floors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25932
catalog number
25932
accession number
64592

The Light Tank in Action

Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch is in wooden frame. Renault T17 tank with a camouflaged ball crossing and cleaning up a trench in foreground. Two soldiers armed with M1903 Springfields in left background. Another Renault T17 in right backgroundCurrently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. Sketch is in wooden frame. Renault T17 tank with a camouflaged ball crossing and cleaning up a trench in foreground. Two soldiers armed with M1903 Springfields in left background. Another Renault T17 in right 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.26129
catalog number
26129
accession number
64592

After the Bombardment -- Badon Viller

Charcoal sketch depicting the after-effects of the bombardment of Badonviller. An empty street, filled with rubble, is bordered by shell-torn buildings. The sketch is on white paper, which is affixed to a larger piece of heavy white cardboard.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch depicting the after-effects of the bombardment of Badonviller. An empty street, filled with rubble, is bordered by shell-torn buildings. The sketch is on white paper, which is affixed to a larger piece of heavy white cardboard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25801
catalog number
25801
accession number
64592

American Soldiers

Very light ink wash and brush with touches of graphite. This interior scene is framed by the sloping roof of a loft. In the left foreground, a soldier sits on a cot holding his gun. A sword hangs on the wall in the right of the sketch.
Description
Very light ink wash and brush with touches of graphite. This interior scene is framed by the sloping roof of a loft. In the left foreground, a soldier sits on a cot holding his gun. A sword hangs on the wall in the right of the sketch. Two more soldiers can be seen through a doorway on the back wall of the loft. The sketch is done on beige wove paper mounted on beige card which is ruled in graphite. A label below the sketch, mounted on the card, reads: "AMERICAN SOLDIERS/Quartered in the loft of an old barn on the/outskirts of Chateau Thierry/BY W. J. DUNCAN/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2847"
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.25689
catalog number
25689
accession number
64592

Courtyard of Ruined Chateau in Toul

Charcoal, ink wash, and white crayon sketch on paper. The work depicts the courtyard of a large chateau in Toul France. One of the walls of the chateau is badly damaged. Several soldiers, equipment, and trucks are in the courtyard.
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and white crayon sketch on paper. The work depicts the courtyard of a large chateau in Toul France. One of the walls of the chateau is badly damaged. Several soldiers, equipment, and trucks are in the courtyard. A label attached to the mount, underneath the sketch, reads: "COURTYARD OF RUINED CHATEAU IN THE TOUL SECTOR NOW USED AS/REPAIR WORKS FOR AUTOS AND TRUCKS./PEIXOTTO 173."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-05
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25821
catalog number
25821
accession number
64592

On the Trail of the Hun - St. Mihiel Drive

Watercolor and gouache drawing on paper. The work depicts an army on the march. The foreground features wagons ascending a hill; American soldiers ride in and walk along side the wagons. Half of the sky is covered by dark clouds.
Description
Watercolor and gouache drawing on paper. The work depicts an army on the march. The foreground features wagons ascending a hill; American soldiers ride in and walk along side the wagons. Half of the sky is covered by dark clouds. In the background on the left side are tents, while in the right background are the buildings of what appears to be a small town. Several airplanes are in the sky.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25662
catalog number
25662
accession number
64592

A Barrack Street at Is-sur-Tille

Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts barracks at Is-sur-Tille, France during World War I. Two rows of single-story pitch-roofed barrack buildings line the sides of a dirt street with telephone or telegraph wires overhead.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts barracks at Is-sur-Tille, France during World War I. Two rows of single-story pitch-roofed barrack buildings line the sides of a dirt street with telephone or telegraph wires overhead.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25918
catalog number
25918
accession number
64592

Behind Montmirail, American Division

Crayon, pastel, and charcoal on white paper. The work depicts a group of troops and wagons moving across a bridge near Montmirail, France.A large tree borders the road, where American and French soldiers ride horses or horse-drawn wagons.Currently not on view
Description
Crayon, pastel, and charcoal on white paper. The work depicts a group of troops and wagons moving across a bridge near Montmirail, France.
A large tree borders the road, where American and French soldiers ride horses or horse-drawn wagons.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25736
catalog number
25736
accession number
64592

On the Bridge at Pont-a-Mousson

Mixed media sketch on paper. Soldiers march on the bridge over the Moselle River, into the French town of Pont-a-Mousson.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper. Soldiers march on the bridge over the Moselle River, into the French town of Pont-a-Mousson.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
War Department
Smith, J. Andre
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26023
catalog number
26023
accession number
64592

Boche Snipers Hidden in Shell Potted Ruins

Charcoal and crayon sketch, with touches of graphite, on heavy cream wove paper. Two German soldiers peer out of the window of a shell-torn building. One soldier has a rifle pointed out of the window, through the slats of the shutters.
Description
Charcoal and crayon sketch, with touches of graphite, on heavy cream wove paper. Two German soldiers peer out of the window of a shell-torn building. One soldier has a rifle pointed out of the window, through the slats of the shutters. A sign stenciled on the wall below the window has been partially erased; it reads "NACH FIS..." and has an arrow, pointing right, beneath it.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25739
catalog number
25739
accession number
64592

Cross-Roads at Flirey

A charcoal sketch on paper of Flirey, France during World War I. In this busy scene, American soldiers are working at pulling down the wall of a damaged building.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal sketch on paper of Flirey, France during World War I. In this busy scene, American soldiers are working at pulling down the wall of a damaged building.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25975
catalog number
25975
accession number
64592

Distant View of Coblenz

A pencil sketch on paper Coblenz, Germany (now known as Koblenz). The Rhine river occupies most of the sketch. On the right bank, there are several buildings, but one tall building stands out on the right edge of the sketch (possibly Basilica St. Kastor).Currently not on view
Description
A pencil sketch on paper Coblenz, Germany (now known as Koblenz). The Rhine river occupies most of the sketch. On the right bank, there are several buildings, but one tall building stands out on the right edge of the sketch (possibly Basilica St. Kastor).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-12-16
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25978
catalog number
25978
accession number
64592

Hospital at Savenay

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of a hospital at Savenay, France. This American hospital occupied several permanent buildings and temporary structures during World War I.Currently not on view
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of a hospital at Savenay, France. This American hospital occupied several permanent buildings and temporary structures during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25995
catalog number
25995
accession number
64592

Barracks at Battalion Headquarters on the Verdun

Ink wash on paper. The work depicts American barracks on the Verdun front in France near the end of World War I. The roofs of the barracks and adjacent dugouts are protected by sand bags.Currently not on view
Description
Ink wash on paper. The work depicts American barracks on the Verdun front in France near the end of World War I. The roofs of the barracks and adjacent dugouts are protected by sand bags.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25808
catalog number
25808
accession number
64592

German Post of Command

Charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts a dugout fortified by wood planks. A chair and some other items are just visible under the roof of the dugout.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The work depicts a dugout fortified by wood planks. A chair and some other items are just visible under the roof of the dugout. The right side of the sketch shows one of the entry-way walls reinforced with stacked horizontal logs, which are bordered by a vertical post on either side. A label underneath the sketch reads: "GERMAN POST OF COMMAND/Hill 204, July, 1918/BY. E. PEIXOTTO/TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT/2991."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25833
catalog number
25833
accession number
64592

An Old Observation Post at Martincourt

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of an old observation post at Martincourt, France. A small platform, reached by a ladder, sits in the canopy of a tree.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper of an old observation post at Martincourt, France. A small platform, reached by a ladder, sits in the canopy of a tree.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25942
catalog number
25942
accession number
64592

General Pershing Entering St. Mihiel

Charcoal sketch with ink wash. The work depicts General Pershing greeting crowds of people in a square in Saint-Mihiel, France. Behind the general is a line of French soldiers, both mounted and on foot, in formation.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch with ink wash. The work depicts General Pershing greeting crowds of people in a square in Saint-Mihiel, France. Behind the general is a line of French soldiers, both mounted and on foot, in formation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917-1918
date depicted in sketch
1918-09-13
associated person
War Department
depicted
Pershing, John J.
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25828
catalog number
25828
accession number
64592

The Church at Fossoy. (On the German Line of Retreat)

Graphite and gouache on paper mounted on heavy white card. The drawing shows a badly damaged church at Fossoy, France. There is a bare tree on the left.Currently not on view
Description
Graphite and gouache on paper mounted on heavy white card. The drawing shows a badly damaged church at Fossoy, France. There is a bare tree on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-26
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25671
catalog number
25671
accession number
64592

Supply Trains on the Paris-Metz Road

Charcoal sketch of a tree-lined road. Troops, camp wagons, motorcycles, and men on horses marching In both directions on the road. Drawn on white card.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch of a tree-lined road. Troops, camp wagons, motorcycles, and men on horses marching In both directions on the road. Drawn on white card.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
referenced; depicted
1918-06-06
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25782
catalog number
25782
accession number
64592

Neuf Maisons

Ink wash sketch on paper. In this village scene, troops and vehicles move about a road running through town. The village church's spire rises above the other buildings of the town.
Description
Ink wash sketch on paper. In this village scene, troops and vehicles move about a road running through town. The village church's spire rises above the other buildings of the town. At the bottom left of the sketch is attached a slip of paper that reads: " NEUF MAISONS 14387/Neuf Maisons -- a typical village of the Lorraine front/in which the American Troops are billeted./Peixotto." This paper is glued over a hand-written inscription.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25848
catalog number
25848
accession number
64592

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