William James Aylward (1875 - 1956)

The Milwaukee-born son of a shipbuilder who sailed the Great Lakes, Aylward grew up around the ships and docks that became the center of his painting. He received his first training at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students’ League in New York. Later he studied with the famous illustrator-teacher Howard Pyle (as did four of the other official war artists). He also traveled extensively and spent several years in France, painting and studying privately, all the time pursuing a highly successful career as a magazine, book, and advertising illustrator, best known for nautical themes.

Selected for the official art program, Aylward received a captain’s commission in March 1918 and sailed to join the American Expeditionary Force in France, where he remained until the summer of 1919. As a war artist, he concentrated on logistics, especially the French ports.

After the war Aylward resumed his career as an illustrator, and also taught at the Pennsylvania Institute of Art, the School of Fine and Industrial Art in Newark, N.J., and the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y.

William James Aylward

Returning Refugees Hatton Chattel

Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache drawing on beige textured paper. The work depicts refugees returning to a shell torn village in Hatton Chattel, France. Older men, women, children, sheep and a mule laden with clothing gather in front of a severely damaged building.
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache drawing on beige textured paper. The work depicts refugees returning to a shell torn village in Hatton Chattel, France. Older men, women, children, sheep and a mule laden with clothing gather in front of a severely damaged building. An American soldier is standing in the center of the drawing. In the foreground on the left, a man in dark clothes stands looking at the crowd.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25664
catalog number
25664
accession number
64592

Street in Neufchâteau

Charcoal, wash, and gouache drawing on card. The work depicts a street scene in Neufchâteau, France. A woman carrying a basket walks down in the road, facing the viewer. A church's tower dominates the background.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, wash, and gouache drawing on card. The work depicts a street scene in Neufchâteau, France. A woman carrying a basket walks down in the road, facing the viewer. A church's tower dominates the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25669
catalog number
25669
accession number
64592

Billeting Village Near Neufchateau, Farm Building

Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on beige card. The work depicts a farm building in a village near Neufchâteau, France. The farm building is in good condition.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on beige card. The work depicts a farm building in a village near Neufchâteau, France. The farm building is in good condition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25648
catalog number
25648
accession number
64592

Crossing the Pontoon Bridge, Château Thierry

A mixed media drawing on white textured paper showing a pontoon bridge crossing in Château-Thierry. There are five pontoon boats serving as a base for a temporary bridge. Horse-drawn supply wagons cross the bridge against the backdrop of a village.Currently not on view
Description
A mixed media drawing on white textured paper showing a pontoon bridge crossing in Château-Thierry. There are five pontoon boats serving as a base for a temporary bridge. Horse-drawn supply wagons cross the bridge against the backdrop of a village.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25653
catalog number
25653
accession number
64592

The Road through Fossoy. (On the German line of Retreat)

Gouache, ink wash, and graphite. The work depicts a shell-torn building near Fossoy, France. One side of the building has been completely destroyed.Currently not on view
Description
Gouache, ink wash, and graphite. The work depicts a shell-torn building near Fossoy, France. One side of the building has been completely destroyed.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-26
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25675
catalog number
25675
accession number
64592

His Bunkie

Charcoal or crayon with gouache drawing on beige paper backed by card matte. The drawing depicts an American soldier, fully equipped, standing at the grave of his bunk mate or "bunkie." A wooden cross is at the head of the grave.
Description
Charcoal or crayon with gouache drawing on beige paper backed by card matte. The drawing depicts an American soldier, fully equipped, standing at the grave of his bunk mate or "bunkie." A wooden cross is at the head of the grave. Beside the cross are a helmet and what looks like a metal canister.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25661
catalog number
25661
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

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

French Engineers Clearing Wreckage of Bridge Château-Thierry

Charcoal, gouache, and oil on paper. The work depicts a group of French engineers (in blue uniforms) clearing the wreckage of a bridge in Château-Thierry, France. A section of the bridge has entirely collapsed into the water.
Description
Charcoal, gouache, and oil on paper. The work depicts a group of French engineers (in blue uniforms) clearing the wreckage of a bridge in Château-Thierry, France. A section of the bridge has entirely collapsed into the water. On the left, two American soldiers sit on an intact section of the bridge. The shell-torn buildings of the town line the far side of the water.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25684A
catalog number
25684A
accession number
64592

Wagon Train at Viffort

Charcoal, crayon, and gouache on paper. This village street scene depicts a wagon train; mounted soldier in center of drawing.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, crayon, and gouache on paper. This village street scene depicts a wagon train; mounted soldier in center of drawing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25681
catalog number
25681
accession number
64592

Billeting Village Near Neufchateau, Farm Building

Charcoal, watercolor, and gouache on heavy white card paper. The work depicts a set of buildings on a farm near Neufchâteau, France. The farm buildings are detailed with their bricks, roofs, and chimneys. There is an outline of a road.
Description
Charcoal, watercolor, and gouache on heavy white card paper. The work depicts a set of buildings on a farm near Neufchâteau, France. The farm buildings are detailed with their bricks, roofs, and chimneys. There is an outline of a road. A building is in the immediate foreground on the left although the entire building is not shown. The sky is partially blue, and there are some trees in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25647
catalog number
25647
accession number
64592

Troops Waiting to Advance at Hattonchâtel - St. Mihiel Drive

Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on paper. The work depicts a group of American soldiers waiting to advance in Hattonchâtel, France. The soldiers appear at rest--sitting and talking with one another.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on paper. The work depicts a group of American soldiers waiting to advance in Hattonchâtel, France. The soldiers appear at rest--sitting and talking with one another.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25676
catalog number
25676
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

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

Billeting Village Near Neufchateau, Farm Building

Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on heavy white card. The drawing depicts a farm building with extensive shell damage to its roof.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on heavy white card. The drawing depicts a farm building with extensive shell damage to its roof.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25649
catalog number
25649
accession number
64592

German Prisoner Type

Mixed media on cardboard. Portrait of a German prisoner of war. The man appears young and wears a cap with orange ribbon around it, indicating he may be an officer.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media on cardboard. Portrait of a German prisoner of war. The man appears young and wears a cap with orange ribbon around it, indicating he may be an officer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25659
catalog number
25659
accession number
64592

Billeting Village Near Neufchâteau

Oil and gouache on paper. In this village scene none of the buildings have escaped damage from the war. Shell damage is apparent in the houses' roofs and the holes in the road in the foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Oil and gouache on paper. In this village scene none of the buildings have escaped damage from the war. Shell damage is apparent in the houses' roofs and the holes in the road in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25684
catalog number
25684
accession number
64592

Street in Neufchâteau

Pastel with crayon, wash, and gouache on heavy white card. French village scene with a pastry shop in the foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Pastel with crayon, wash, and gouache on heavy white card. French village scene with a pastry shop in the foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25668
catalog number
25668
accession number
64592

Street Barricade at Château-Thierry

Charcoal, gouache, and watercolor drawing on paper mounted on brown board. The work depicts two American soldiers at a rubble barricade on a street in Château-Thierry, France. The two buildings on either side of the barricade are damaged.
Description
Charcoal, gouache, and watercolor drawing on paper mounted on brown board. The work depicts two American soldiers at a rubble barricade on a street in Château-Thierry, France. The two buildings on either side of the barricade are damaged. Several white buildings are in the background including one with the French word "Coiffeur" written near its roof. The sky is partly cloudy and a plane is flying overhead.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25667
catalog number
25667
accession number
64592

The River at Neufchâteau

Crayon and gouache on card. The work depicts a view of the river at Neufchâteau, France. Two soldiers are along the bank of the river. One man is sitting down and fishing; the other holds an umbrella over the sitting man's head.
Description
Crayon and gouache on card. The work depicts a view of the river at Neufchâteau, France. Two soldiers are along the bank of the river. One man is sitting down and fishing; the other holds an umbrella over the sitting man's head. A large church, several houses, and outhouses are visible in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25674
catalog number
25674
accession number
64592

German Prisoner Type

Mixed media on board. Portrait of a German prisoner of war. The man is wearing rimmed glasses and has a beard.Currently not on view
Description
Mixed media on board. Portrait of a German prisoner of war. The man is wearing rimmed glasses and has a beard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25660
catalog number
25660
accession number
64592
64592

Clearing Out the Road through Mont St. Père

Charcoal and gouache on beige textured paper mounted on brown card. The work depicts soldiers clearing rubble off the road that goes through Mont-Saint-Père. The large building that dominates the scene is badly damaged from the war.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal and gouache on beige textured paper mounted on brown card. The work depicts soldiers clearing rubble off the road that goes through Mont-Saint-Père. The large building that dominates the scene is badly damaged from the war.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25651
catalog number
25651
accession number
64592

First Division Headquarters Kitchen - St. Mihiel Drive

A charcoal and gouache painting on light beige card of the first division headquarters kitchen located on St. Mihiel Drive. The kitchen is in front of a building. There are approximately 27 soldiers in the drawing although most of their faces are not detailed.
Description
A charcoal and gouache painting on light beige card of the first division headquarters kitchen located on St. Mihiel Drive. The kitchen is in front of a building. There are approximately 27 soldiers in the drawing although most of their faces are not detailed. The soldiers are standing around, eating, resting, or gathering food into their mess kit. There is a tent with the sign "Mud Dog Inn" at left. Rifles are stacked against the building on the right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25656
catalog number
25656
accession number
64592

The Church at Nesles

Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on card. The work depicts a shell-torn church at Nesles, France. In the foreground, an American soldier crouches in front of a stone wall.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal, ink wash, and gouache on card. The work depicts a shell-torn church at Nesles, France. In the foreground, an American soldier crouches in front of a stone wall.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
date depicted
1918-07-09
associated person
War Department
artist
Aylward, William James
ID Number
AF.25672 [dup1]
catalog number
25672
accession number
64592

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