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

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

Under the Trees at Andilly

Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Several soldiers stand at the entrance of a building in the background. The soldiers are framed by trees and two wagons in the foreground. The wagons are camouflaged.Currently not on view
Description
Colored sketch on white paper, mounted on thick paper. Several soldiers stand at the entrance of a building in the background. The soldiers are framed by trees and two wagons in the foreground. The wagons are camouflaged.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26082
catalog number
26082
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

The River Front at Saumur

Charcoal and pencil sketch on paper. The sketch shows the buildings that line the waterfront of a city. The river is in the foreground and is bounded by a wall, with steps leading into the water. There are people along the river bank; two of them appear to be fishing.
Description
Charcoal and pencil sketch on paper. The sketch shows the buildings that line the waterfront of a city. The river is in the foreground and is bounded by a wall, with steps leading into the water. There are people along the river bank; two of them appear to be fishing. In the background is a large castle that rises above the town; this is the Château de Saumur. An original label on the drawing read, "A view of the city showing the chateau. The city is interesting as the location of an important American artillery school." On the reverse of the paper is a small sketch of an artillery gun.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26076
catalog number
26076
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

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

Chateau Thierry

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on thick white card. View from atop a set of stairs at Chateau Thierry. Village and low hills in background. There is an inscription (of several lines) on the lower left of the sketch that has been erased or is faded.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on thick white card. View from atop a set of stairs at Chateau Thierry. Village and low hills in background. There is an inscription (of several lines) on the lower left of the sketch that has been erased or is faded. Only the first line of this inscription--"Chateau Thierry"--is legible.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-31
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25817
catalog number
25817
accession number
64592

In the Argonne Forest

Charcoal and color sketch on paper. Forest scene with bare and fallen trees. Wire entanglements on left; pool of water in the foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and color sketch on paper. Forest scene with bare and fallen trees. Wire entanglements on left; pool of water in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25771
catalog number
25771
accession number
64592

In a German Abri, Buillonville

Charcoal drawing on paper. The work depicts the interior of a German abri, or underground shelter, near Bouillonville, France during World War I. Two indistinct figures are visible behind one of the supports in the background.
Description
Charcoal drawing on paper. The work depicts the interior of a German abri, or underground shelter, near Bouillonville, France during World War I. Two indistinct figures are visible behind one of the supports in the background. A label pasted on the mount below the drawing reads "This abri was dug in the side of a hill and was very extensive. It had two entrances, thus assuring the safety of those within."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25839
catalog number
25839
accession number
64592

88th Division

Black crayon sketch heightened with white gouache. Large, damaged building sited on a stream. Leafless trees at left. Picturesque; no soldiers or military equipment appear is the scene. Sketch done on olive green wove paper that is mounted on tan card with graphite border.
Description
Black crayon sketch heightened with white gouache. Large, damaged building sited on a stream. Leafless trees at left. Picturesque; no soldiers or military equipment appear is the scene. Sketch done on olive green wove paper that is mounted on tan card with graphite border. An inscription on the lower edge of the mount reads: "Advanced machine gun position, 88th Division,/Balschviller, Alsace, October 1, 1918."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Duncan, Walter Jack
ID Number
AF.25704D
catalog number
25704D
accession number
64592

The Bridge at Chateau Thierry

Pencil sketch on paper. The focal point of the drawing is a demolished bridge in the center of the scene. Soldiers in the river are working on the bridge. The opposite bank of the river is lined with buildings.
Description
Pencil sketch on paper. The focal point of the drawing is a demolished bridge in the center of the scene. Soldiers in the river are working on the bridge. The opposite bank of the river is lined with buildings. People and soldiers are standing along the bank of the river.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-08-02
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26075
catalog number
26075
accession number
64592

A Tractor in the Mud, Gièvres

Charcoal sketch on paper. A tractor carrying a large load dominates the scene. Tents, buildings, and soldiers in the background.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. A tractor carrying a large load dominates the scene. Tents, buildings, and soldiers in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25797
catalog number
25797
accession number
64592

A Road at the Front

A charcoal, pencil, and watercolor color sketch on paper of a camouflaged road at the front lines. An American soldier is walking down a road that is bordered on each side by a barbed wire fence covered with branches and wood that continues into the background.
Description
A charcoal, pencil, and watercolor color sketch on paper of a camouflaged road at the front lines. An American soldier is walking down a road that is bordered on each side by a barbed wire fence covered with branches and wood that continues into the background. The catalog card records the original label for this drawing: "This is the road from Baccarat to Pexonne via Vaqueville. It shows a screening of camouflage made from reeds and pine bows now turned brown with age. On the distant hills (a little to the left of the center of this picture) is located a German O.P. [Observation Post]. The road is quite frequently under shell-fire."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25908
catalog number
25908
accession number
64592

After the Battle of Charteves

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts a damaged village in the aftermath of the Battle of Charteves. A shell-torn church and a number of smaller shell-torn buildings make up the village.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. The work depicts a damaged village in the aftermath of the Battle of Charteves. A shell-torn church and a number of smaller shell-torn buildings make up the village. A man, possibly a soldier, is in the street in the right foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Peixotto, Ernest Clifford
ID Number
AF.25800
catalog number
25800
accession number
64592

Roll Call After the Fight

Mixed media on paper. A group of soldiers gather in the woods for a roll call."J André Smith June 1918 / 3rd Btn. 5th Rep. Marines in camp on the road to Belleau Woods"Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media on paper. A group of soldiers gather in the woods for a roll call."J André Smith June 1918 / 3rd Btn. 5th Rep. Marines in camp on the road to Belleau Woods"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26036
catalog number
26036
accession number
64592

American Motor Trucks at Langres

A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. A large building, La Porte de Moulins, rises above several other buildings and a clearing where army vehicles are grouped. American soldiers are roughly sketched and appear to be working on one of the trucks.Currently not on view
Description
A charcoal and watercolor sketch on paper. A large building, La Porte de Moulins, rises above several other buildings and a clearing where army vehicles are grouped. American soldiers are roughly sketched and appear to be working on one of the trucks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-06
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25902
catalog number
25902
accession number
64592

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