Harvey Thomas Dunn (1884 - 1952)

Dunn was born and raised on a homestead in rural South Dakota. He attended the South Dakota Agricultural College, but soon left to pursue studies at the Art Institute of Chicago. He then studied for two years (1904–1906) with Howard Pyle in Wilmington, Delaware. Dunn launched his own studio in Wilmington, becoming a successful teacher as well as illustrator of magazines, books, and advertising.

Dunn entered the army art program in March 1918 as a captain and was soon on his way to France, where he established a reputation as a bold, even foolhardy, combat artist. His work very much centered on frontline action. Although he was one of the first to return from Europe, in February 1919, he continued painting pictures based on his war experience for many years.

In 1919, Dunn opened a studio and art school in New Jersey, where he taught hundreds of students and was a major influence on the next generation of illustrators. He was elected to the National Academy of Design and to the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. Dunn’s celebrity far exceeded that of any of his fellow war artists and much more has been written about him than any of the others.

Harvey Thomas Dunn

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The Road between Jaulgonne and Mount St. Pierre

A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a road between Jaulgonne and Mount St. Pierre, France, during the Second Battle of the Marne on July 22, 1918. Depicted are two ammunition trucks driving along the war torn road.
Description
A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of a road between Jaulgonne and Mount St. Pierre, France, during the Second Battle of the Marne on July 22, 1918. Depicted are two ammunition trucks driving along the war torn road. The truck at the back is partially obscured by fog or smoke in the background. On the right, a dead American soldier is lying on the side of the road next to a tree stump. His helmet is lying in the middle of the road. On the left, an American soldier is kneeling on the side of the road by a wooden cross. An explosion of yellow, red, and black smoke rises into the air behind him. Written at the bottom by the artist in pencil is: "Sketch. The road between / Jacqluer [sic] & Mont St. Pierre / on the Marne. July 22, / 1918. / One of Col. [illegibile]s Racehorses / These ammunitions trucks went / where ambulances could not and / served the double purpose of ammunitions / carriers and ambulances."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67523M
catalog number
67523M
accession number
229290

Machine Gun Emplacement

Oil painting on canvas of an American machine gun emplacement at Seicheprey, France. Two American soldiers in olive drab uniforms are sitting in the middle of a cemetery next to their Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun.
Description
Oil painting on canvas of an American machine gun emplacement at Seicheprey, France. Two American soldiers in olive drab uniforms are sitting in the middle of a cemetery next to their Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun. There are tombstones all around the soldiers, some of which have toppled over. A section of the rock wall surrounding the cemetery has been partially destroyed at right, giving the machine gunners a better sight line. The soldiers have positioned the gun on the rubble from the ruined wall, with the barrel of the gun pointing out of the cemetery. Signed by the artist at bottom left, "Harvey Dunn, Saishprey [sic], AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25709
catalog number
25709
accession number
64592

On the Wire

Oil painting on canvas of two American soldiers carrying another soldier on a stretcher along a line of barbed wire. The stretcher bearers are in uniform and are wearing helmets with their gas mask bags hanging from their necks.
Description
Oil painting on canvas of two American soldiers carrying another soldier on a stretcher along a line of barbed wire. The stretcher bearers are in uniform and are wearing helmets with their gas mask bags hanging from their necks. The soldier in front is looking up into the distance as he walks, while the soldier in back is walking with his head bowed. The soldier on the stretcher is wrapped in a blanket and his face is white; he is either severely injured or dead. The sky is gray with faint light coming from the left. A line of fog is rolling in from the left, slightly obscuring the soldiers and the barbed wire. At the bottom of the painting among the grass are tiny red and blue flowers. Signed by the artist at bottom left, "Harvey Dunn, 1918"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25719
catalog number
25719
accession number
64592

Battle of the Marne

Pastel and watercolor drawing on paper of American soldiers advancing during the Second Battle of the Marne. Soldiers in uniform with guns and bayonets drawn advance up a hill that is covered in long grass with blue and red flowers.
Description
Pastel and watercolor drawing on paper of American soldiers advancing during the Second Battle of the Marne. Soldiers in uniform with guns and bayonets drawn advance up a hill that is covered in long grass with blue and red flowers. In the background at left is a cluster of trees, one of which has almost been cut in half and leans in the direction of the soldiers. In the background at right is a war torn village. The sky overhead is full of dark blue and gray clouds.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67520M
catalog number
67520M
accession number
229290

Artist Sketch Box

Artist sketch box used by Harvey Dunn as an official artist with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in World War I. The metal box is painted olive drab. It is marked on the top cover "HARVEY DUNN / CAPTAIN" with the castle insignia of the Army Corps of Engineers.
Description
Artist sketch box used by Harvey Dunn as an official artist with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in World War I. The metal box is painted olive drab. It is marked on the top cover "HARVEY DUNN / CAPTAIN" with the castle insignia of the Army Corps of Engineers. The cover is attached by metal slide fasteners which hook into screws. Inside of the box is a roll of white drawing paper that can be advanced by turning the rollers with half-ring handles. On the bottom of the box is a metal back plate which is attached by nails and screws to allow the paper roll to be removed and replaced with a new roll.
Location
Currently not on view
user
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67518M
accession number
229290
catalog number
67518M

The Engineer

Oil and watercolor painting on paper of two American soldiers while off duty during World War I. The soldiers are in uniform and sitting on a cot.
Description
Oil and watercolor painting on paper of two American soldiers while off duty during World War I. The soldiers are in uniform and sitting on a cot. The soldier on the right is wearing his helmet, with his rifle (probably an M1903 Springfield) propped on the cot next to him, reading a newspaper. The soldier on the left is smoking a cigarette and looking at the viewer. His helmet and bag are hanging on the wall above his head and there is a canteen at his feet. Signed by the artist at bottom left, "Harvey Dunn, 1918"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25713
catalog number
25713
accession number
64592

Off Duty

Oil and watercolor painting on paper of two American soldiers while off duty during World War I. The soldiers are in uniform and sitting on a cot.
Description
Oil and watercolor painting on paper of two American soldiers while off duty during World War I. The soldiers are in uniform and sitting on a cot. The soldier on the right is wearing his helmet, with his rifle (probably an M1903 Springfield) propped on the cot next to him, reading a newspaper. The soldier on the left is smoking a cigarette and looking at the viewer. His helmet and bag are hanging on the wall above his head and there is a canteen at his feet. Signed by the artist at bottom left, "Harvey Dunn, 1918"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25712
catalog number
25712
accession number
64592

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 Hand Grenade

A charcoal and pastel drawing on paper of a group of German soldiers attempting to take cover from a hand grenade that has been thrown into the middle of their party. Depicted are five German soldiers wearing dark green uniforms, two with helmets and two with fatigue caps.
Description
A charcoal and pastel drawing on paper of a group of German soldiers attempting to take cover from a hand grenade that has been thrown into the middle of their party. Depicted are five German soldiers wearing dark green uniforms, two with helmets and two with fatigue caps. Two soldiers at right are attempting to dive away from the grenade, while the three other soldiers recoil away from the grenade. The soldier at left is standing against the wall with his hands shielding his face. The grenade is likely an Mk.I Offensive Fragmentation grenade, an Mk.II Defensive Fragmentation grenade, or a French F1 Defensive grenade. It is in the center of the room emitting white smoke but has not yet detonated. The soldiers are in a stone room, possibly a bunker or an "Albri," with an arched doorway which the grenade was thrown through. 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
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25718
catalog number
25718
accession number
64592

Sept. 26, The Argonne

A charcoal and watercolor drawing on paper of a machine gun encampment formerly occupied by the Germans and now taken over by the Americans. At center are three dead German soldiers in forest green uniforms lying on the ground in front of a small doorway.
Description
A charcoal and watercolor drawing on paper of a machine gun encampment formerly occupied by the Germans and now taken over by the Americans. At center are three dead German soldiers in forest green uniforms lying on the ground in front of a small doorway. A machine gun (MG 08/15) is lying on top of one of the Germans. In the background at right, several American soldiers wearing olive drab uniforms are coming through a trench headed towards the encampment. Scattered throughout the encampment are discarded pieces of German military equipment. At left is a box of stick grenades (Model 24 Stielhandgranate). Below that is a shovel and a rifle (possibly a Gewehr 98). At bottom center is a helmet and a German officer's hat. At bottom right is an ammunition belt for a machine gun along with a knife that was probably a bayonet (Seitengewehr). Written in pencil at bottom left by the artist is: "Study - Sept 26 (The Argonne)"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67525m
accession number
229290
catalog number
67525M

Scroll of Aragon

Continuous roll of 10 sketches by Harvey Dunn, official artist with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) during World War I.
Description
Continuous roll of 10 sketches by Harvey Dunn, official artist with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) during World War I. Depicted on the scroll from left to right are the following sketches: 1) "Cunel" A charcoal sketch showing dead horses and howitzer at left foreground and soldiers advancing towards a house at top center. 2) A rough charcoal sketch showing a soldier lying dead at left foreground and soldiers firing as they advance at top center background. 3) "Seichsprey / 26th Division / May 16th / 1918" A color crayon sketch showing a bunker in the middle of a cemetery. A soldier stands at the entrance of the bunker, surrounded by tombstones. 4) A color crayon sketch showing a village street. Civilians stand among the white buildings with brown roofs. 5) A color crayon sketch showing a woman sitting on a chair next to a building in the middle of a village street. 6) Color crayon sketch showing a horse and wagon in front of a building at left. A man is standing by the wagon and another is visible walking down the street at right. 7) Color crayon sketch of a village street. Three connected buildings are shown at center and right with white walls and brown and green roofs. Part of a fourth building is visible at left. 8) "Seichprey / May 16th" A color crayon sketch showing six American soldiers standing in a trench at foregound. The soldiers at left are looking toward a village visible in the distance. 9) Watercolor and charcoal sketch showing an American soldier running through a yellow field with a revolver in his right hand. A line of trees is visible in the background. 10) "Our Heavies / on the Marne - July 23, 1918" A watercolor and charcoal sketch showing a gun crew in yellow with two big guns. The men are in the middle of a green field with two trees. They are pointing the guns toward the left distance.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
maker
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67853m
accession number
229290
catalog number
67853M

The Prisoner

Oil painting on canvas of a German prisoner being escorted through a shell-torn village by a group of American soldiers. The German prisoner, seen in the center of the painting, is wearing a stormtrooper helmet (stahlhelm) and a black uniform with red trim and is unarmed.
Description
Oil painting on canvas of a German prisoner being escorted through a shell-torn village by a group of American soldiers. The German prisoner, seen in the center of the painting, is wearing a stormtrooper helmet (stahlhelm) and a black uniform with red trim and is unarmed. He is surrounded by five American soldiers in olive drab uniforms who are carrying rifles with bayonets fixed (most likely M1903 Springfield rifles). On the left, another American soldier and a French soldier in a blue uniform are watching the group from behind the collapsed wall of a building. In the background on the right, four American soldiers are standing with another French soldier drinking coffee. There are shell-torn buildings in the background and piles of rubble on the ground. Signed at bottom left by the artist, 'Harvey Dunn, 18"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25723
catalog number
25723
accession number
64592

Walking Cases

Charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of two wounded American soldiers resting on their way back from the firing line. The soldiers are sitting in the grass with their backs against the wall of a ruined building.
Description
Charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of two wounded American soldiers resting on their way back from the firing line. The soldiers are sitting in the grass with their backs against the wall of a ruined building. The soldier on the left is in uniform with his shirt partially removed and is wrapping a bandage around his wounded and bleeding arm. The soldier on the right is in uniform with a helmet and gas mask and is looking straight off into the distance. His left shin is bandaged and bleeding. A large sack with a helmet resting on top is propped against the wall at right. There is a large hole in the wall, probably from an exploding shell. Signed by the artist at bottom left, "Harvey Dunn, AEF, 1918"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25726C
catalog number
25726C
accession number
64592

The Sentry

Oil painting on canvas with a black frame of an American soldier looking out of a trench. The American soldier is wearing an olive drab uniform and a steel helmet with his gas mask hanging around his neck. He is standing with only his head and shoulders exposed.
Description
Oil painting on canvas with a black frame of an American soldier looking out of a trench. The American soldier is wearing an olive drab uniform and a steel helmet with his gas mask hanging around his neck. He is standing with only his head and shoulders exposed. On the embankment in front of the soldier is an M1903 Springfield rifle with bayonet attached, a pair of binoculars, and six fragmentation grenades (Mk. I or II). There are patches of grass growing around the trench and the wooden supports of the trench wall can be seen behind the soldier. Barbed wire posts can be seen in the background at right, fading into the early morning light. Signed at bottom right by the artist, "Harvey Dunn 1918"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25708
accession number
64592
catalog number
25708

Going into Position through a Ruined Town

A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of American soldiers marching through a ruined town. Depicted are twelve American soldiers in olive drab uniforms wearing helmets, with gas masks hanging from their necks and packs on their backs.
Description
A charcoal, pastel, and watercolor drawing on paper of American soldiers marching through a ruined town. Depicted are twelve American soldiers in olive drab uniforms wearing helmets, with gas masks hanging from their necks and packs on their backs. Some are carrying M1903 Springfield rifles. One of the soldiers at front left is holding the reins of a horse that is pulling a blue cart full of packs and supplies. Beyond the soldiers in the background is a village filled with damaged and destroyed buildings. The buildings are white with red roofs. Army trucks can be seen driving through the village streets in the background at left.
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.25707
catalog number
25707
accession number
64592

Between Le Charmel and Jaulgonne

A watercolor and pastel drawing on paper of American troops moving between Le Charmel and Jaulgonne in France during the Battle of the Marne. At left, soldiers in green uniforms march along the road towards the foreground.
Description
A watercolor and pastel drawing on paper of American troops moving between Le Charmel and Jaulgonne in France during the Battle of the Marne. At left, soldiers in green uniforms march along the road towards the foreground. Several of the soldiers are carrying guns, probably M1903 Springfield rifles. At right are several covered supply wagons heading down the road into the background. The wagon at the rear is stuck in the muddy road and several soldiers are trying to push it out. One soldier at center, possibly an officer, is watching the soldiers push the wagon. Trees line the side of the road and a white building can be seen in the far background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.67519M
catalog number
67519M
accession number
229290

The Flare

Charcoal and pastel drawing on paper of a scene in No Man's Land that is being lit by a flare burning overhead. Depicted at center are two soldiers carrying a body on a stretcher as they walk along a line of barbed wire.
Description
Charcoal and pastel drawing on paper of a scene in No Man's Land that is being lit by a flare burning overhead. Depicted at center are two soldiers carrying a body on a stretcher as they walk along a line of barbed wire. In the foreground at left another soldier is sitting on the ground by more barbed wire and what remains of a tree. On the right is a dead soldier lying next to his rifle, which is staked into the ground with a helmet hanging from the stalk, likely as a battlefield cross. There is another soldier in the background at right and a ruined village in the background at left. Rows of barbed wire are visible throughout. The sky is black with only the light from the flare illuminating the scene. Signed by the artist at bottom right, "Harvey Dunn, AEF, Sept. '18"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917 - 1918
associated person
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25717
catalog number
25717
accession number
64592

Street Fighting

A charcoal, pastel and watercolor drawing on beige textured paper. Depicted is an American soldier in oliver drab uniform firing his M1903 Springfield rifle with a trail of yellow fire coming out of the gun barrel.
Description
A charcoal, pastel and watercolor drawing on beige textured paper. Depicted is an American soldier in oliver drab uniform firing his M1903 Springfield rifle with a trail of yellow fire coming out of the gun barrel. To the left of the soldier is the body of another American soldier lying face down on the street, presumably dead. Surrounding the soldiers are piles of debris from destroyed buildings. Part of a wall has collapsed behind the firing soldier, and a pile of red, white, and blue cloth can be seen among the rubble. Signed by the artist at bottom right, "Harvey Dunn, AEF"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
artist
Dunn, Harvey Thomas
ID Number
AF.25706A
accession number
64592
catalog number
25706A

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