Wallace Morgan (1873 - 1948)

Morgan was born in New York City, but grew up in Albany, where his father taught art. He returned to New York after high school, studying at the National Academy of Design. To support himself in school, he found a part-time job as a sketch artist for the New York Sun that turned into a career. He developed considerable skill in rendering a variety of subjects in ready-to-print form without preliminary sketches. He later moved on to illustrate books and popular magazines, with his work appearing in Collier’s, Cosmopolitan, The New Yorker, and the Saturday Evening Post.

When America entered the war, Wallace had set up his own studio, illustrating magazines, books, and advertising on commission. Selected as one of the official war artists, he was commissioned an army captain in March 1918 and landed in France a month later. During his year in France, he attached himself to the Marine Brigade, which he followed into Chateau-Thierry and Belleau Wood.

After the war Morgan returned to work in his studio in New York. Considered one of the best artists in black and white of his time, Morgan was often referred to as the dean of American Illustrators. He was elected to the National Academy of Design and the Society of Illustrators’ Hall of Fame.

Wallace Morgan

Search term: *:* Date: 1910s Clear All

In Billets

Charcoal and color sketch on paper. Large wagon in foreground. On the right, sitting up against a building, a line of American troops and French women are stripping willow boughs for baskets. Team of mules on the left. Trees in the background and hills in the distance.
Description
Charcoal and color sketch on paper. Large wagon in foreground. On the right, sitting up against a building, a line of American troops and French women are stripping willow boughs for baskets. Team of mules on the left. Trees in the background and hills in the distance. A label affixed to the lower right corner of the drawing reads: "1. x16392/IN BILLETS. American boys helping French women strip willow/bows [sic] for baskets./Reherry." The sketch is affixed to a larger piece of cardboard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25770
catalog number
25770
accession number
64592

Machine Gun Outfit Near Esnes

Charcoal sketch. Shell bursts light up the horizon in the background. Soldiers in foreground, crouched and on the move. A horse is hitched to machine gun equipment. Three denuded trees between the soldiers and the horizon.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch. Shell bursts light up the horizon in the background. Soldiers in foreground, crouched and on the move. A horse is hitched to machine gun equipment. Three denuded trees between the soldiers and the horizon.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25774
catalog number
25774
accession number
64592

Untitled

Color crayon and charcoal sketch on paper. Village scene with buildings in background. On the left, a soldier leads horses out of a barnyard. Soldiers at mess on right.Currently not on view
Description
Color crayon and charcoal sketch on paper. Village scene with buildings in background. On the left, a soldier leads horses out of a barnyard. Soldiers at mess on right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25793
catalog number
25793
accession number
64592

The G. C. at Dawn, Badonviller

Charcoal sketch on paper of a lone soldier standing watch in a trench. The soldier has his knife drawn. Trees in the background.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper of a lone soldier standing watch in a trench. The soldier has his knife drawn. Trees in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25786
catalog number
25786
accession number
64592

U.S. Troops Entering Coblenz

Charcoal, color crayon, and possibly ink wash sketch on board. Scene of a large square filled with civilians. Several soldiers can be seen among the crowd on horseback or, on the left, on a wheeled vehicle. The civilians are carrying umbrellas in the rain.
Description
Charcoal, color crayon, and possibly ink wash sketch on board. Scene of a large square filled with civilians. Several soldiers can be seen among the crowd on horseback or, on the left, on a wheeled vehicle. The civilians are carrying umbrellas in the rain. The square is lined with buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25792
catalog number
25792
accession number
64592

Dugouts of the 5th Marines

Charcoal sketch on white paper. The work depicts American soldiers at their dugouts in a forested area.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. The work depicts American soldiers at their dugouts in a forested area.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25765
catalog number
25765
accession number
64592

Out from Battle

Charcoal sketch, with some color, on card. The drawing depicts two soldiers carrying a wounded man on a stretcher; other wounded soldiers follow them. Barbed wire entanglement on right. There appears to be smoke on the horizon.
Description
Charcoal sketch, with some color, on card. The drawing depicts two soldiers carrying a wounded man on a stretcher; other wounded soldiers follow them. Barbed wire entanglement on right. There appears to be smoke on the horizon. Something indistinct sits in the sky on the left.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25777
catalog number
25777
accession number
64592

American Artillery Relieved at Deumx After Days of Hard Fighting

Charcoal sketch on illustration board. The work depicts the exhausted members of an artillery unit moving away from the line at Deumx, France. A line of soldiers, horses, wagons, and artillery pieces are moving through a forest.
Description
Charcoal sketch on illustration board. The work depicts the exhausted members of an artillery unit moving away from the line at Deumx, France. A line of soldiers, horses, wagons, and artillery pieces are moving through a forest. Many of the soldiers, whether riding on horses, vehicles, or walking, are slouched and stooped.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
depicted
1918-07-19
associated person
War Department
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25758
catalog number
25758
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

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

The Pursuit

Charcoal sketch on paper. A line of army trucks and soldiers moves along a road. There appear to be two dead horses lying on the side of the road. Fires burn on the horizon.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. A line of army trucks and soldiers moves along a road. There appear to be two dead horses lying on the side of the road. Fires burn on the horizon. From the catalog card: "Army trucks and soldiers moving forward in pursuit of the enemy who are burning towns in the distance. The picture is a scene in the Old No Mans Land in the St. Mihiel sector."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25789
catalog number
25789
accession number
64592

Infantry and Tanks Advancing on Field

Charcoal sketch. In the foreground is a mounted soldier and a soldier on foot next to him; both of them are wearing French helmets. Beyond these two figures is a line of advancing infantrymen. On the left are two Renault FT-17 tanks.
Description
Charcoal sketch. In the foreground is a mounted soldier and a soldier on foot next to him; both of them are wearing French helmets. Beyond these two figures is a line of advancing infantrymen. On the left are two Renault FT-17 tanks. In the background, on the right, are trees and shell-torn buildings. Plumes of smoke streak the horizon.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25773
catalog number
25773
accession number
64592

Bomb Proof Billets and Chow

Charcoal sketch on white paper. In this outdoor scene, soldiers prepare and eat a meal. The outdoor mess area is framed by a house on the right, and dugouts built into a rise in the ground. A caisson is in the center foreground.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on white paper. In this outdoor scene, soldiers prepare and eat a meal. The outdoor mess area is framed by a house on the right, and dugouts built into a rise in the ground. A caisson is in the center foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25763
catalog number
25763
accession number
64592

American Soldiers on the March

Charcoal sketch on board. Troops marching through a shell-torn village. In the foreground are several soldiers and a horse-drawn wagon; these are in shadow. The background of the picture is in light and includes more troops, trucks, buildings, and trees.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on board. Troops marching through a shell-torn village. In the foreground are several soldiers and a horse-drawn wagon; these are in shadow. The background of the picture is in light and includes more troops, trucks, buildings, and trees.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
referenced
1918-07-10
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25759
catalog number
25759
accession number
64592

Taking Artillery Around the Mine Crater in the Road to Varennes

Charcoal sketch on paper. A large cross is surrounded by several smaller crosses, some bearing wreaths or ribbons, in the foreground. A group of soldiers is resting among the crosses. Some men appear to be eating.
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. A large cross is surrounded by several smaller crosses, some bearing wreaths or ribbons, in the foreground. A group of soldiers is resting among the crosses. Some men appear to be eating. A group of soldiers, on foot and on horseback, ascend a small hill in the background. At the end of this procession is a large piece of artillery. On the right of the sketch is a crater; some soldiers are walking up and out of the depression while others are at work inside the crater.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25783
catalog number
25783
accession number
64592

Sergy After Its Capture by American Troops

Charcoal sketch of a road through a shell-torn town. A German soldier is lying in the road, with his rifle and helmet lying beside him. Sketch done on paper that is affixed to a larger piece of off-white cardboard.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch of a road through a shell-torn town. A German soldier is lying in the road, with his rifle and helmet lying beside him. Sketch done on paper that is affixed to a larger piece of off-white cardboard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25781
catalog number
25781
accession number
64592

The Morning Washup, Neufmaison

Charcoal sketch with some color on some of the figures. Soldiers, men, women, and a horse all gathered at a water trough. The men wash up and the women are doing laundry.
Description
Charcoal sketch with some color on some of the figures. Soldiers, men, women, and a horse all gathered at a water trough. The men wash up and the women are doing laundry. Behind the trough, on the side of a building is a sign that reads "EAU MAUVAISE" (loosely translated to mean "non-potable water"). In the left background is a soldier reading a newspaper and smoking a pipe; more soldiers are behind him.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25788
catalog number
25788
accession number
64592

Dressing Station in Ruined Farm

Charcoal with watercolor sketch on white paper. The scene takes place in the region of Ploisy in northern France and depicts two ambulances in front of a large building. Many wounded soldiers are sitting on the ground and receiving treatment.
Description
Charcoal with watercolor sketch on white paper. The scene takes place in the region of Ploisy in northern France and depicts two ambulances in front of a large building. Many wounded soldiers are sitting on the ground and receiving treatment. Several soldiers sit under the tree in the right of the sketch.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-19
associated date
1917-1918
referenced
1918-06-19
associated person
War Department
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25767
catalog number
25767
accession number
64592

Artillery Horses in the River at Andilly

Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. Soldiers lead teams of horses across a river. In the background are several buildings, trees, more horses, and vehicles. There is a bridge on the right. Beneath the sketch are two printed labels affixed to the cardboard mount.
Description
Charcoal and ink wash sketch on white paper. Soldiers lead teams of horses across a river. In the background are several buildings, trees, more horses, and vehicles. There is a bridge on the right. Beneath the sketch are two printed labels affixed to the cardboard mount. The label below the center of the sketch reads: "ARTILLERY HORSES IN THE RIVER AT / ANDILLY / BY W. MORGAN / TRANSFERRED FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT / 2919". The label beneath the sketch and to the right reads "8. x15397 / ARTILLERY HORSES IN THE RIVER AT ANDILLY. / W. MORGAN".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25761
catalog number
25761
accession number
64592

U.S. Medical Officers

Charcoal sketch on illustration board. In this outdoor scene, groups of men stand or sit around several stretchers. The stretcher in the center of the drawing is occupied by a man being attended to by three soldiers.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on illustration board. In this outdoor scene, groups of men stand or sit around several stretchers. The stretcher in the center of the drawing is occupied by a man being attended to by three soldiers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25791
catalog number
25791
accession number
64592

Roadside Blacksmith Near the Lines, Sanzey

Pencil sketch with some ink wash. A road runs through the sketch; people, horses, vehicles, and a motorcycle occupy the road. Behind the road is a row of low buildings. At left is a blacksmith shop. In front of the shop are two soldiers shoeing a horse.
Description
Pencil sketch with some ink wash. A road runs through the sketch; people, horses, vehicles, and a motorcycle occupy the road. Behind the road is a row of low buildings. At left is a blacksmith shop. In front of the shop are two soldiers shoeing a horse. Chickens and two children in foreground. Sketch is mounted to a larger piece of cardboard.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
maker
Morgan, Wallace
ID Number
AF.25779
catalog number
25779
accession number
64592

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