J. André Smith (1880 - 1959)

Smith was born in Hong Kong, the son of a sea captain who died at sea. The family moved to Hamburg, then Boston, before settling in New York in 1893. He graduated in architecture from Cornell but preferred the painting and etching he pursued in his spare time. By 1911 he had embarked on a new career, attaining considerable note for his etchings. His rapid, accurate work made him by far the most prolific of the official war artists.

Unlike the other official artists, Smith actually received officer’s training and served with a camouflage unit before joining the war art program. As the senior officer in the group, he was its commander and the first to arrive in France, on 15 March 1918. He was discharged in April 1919.

After the war Smith published In France with the American Expeditionary Forces, which included many of his wartime artworks. Based on the success of the book, he built a career as a freelance illustrator and painter. In 1938 he opened a studio and art school in Maitland, Florida, still operating today as the Maitland Art Center.

J. Andre Smith

Mandres

Pencil sketch on paper. In this French village scene from World War I, American soldiers walk down a road leading through a small town. On the building on the right is a sign that reads "MANDRES" hanging from an entryway.Currently not on view
Description
Pencil sketch on paper. In this French village scene from World War I, American soldiers walk down a road leading through a small town. On the building on the right is a sign that reads "MANDRES" hanging from an entryway.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-10
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26015
catalog number
26015
accession number
64592

Field No 1, Issoudun

A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of an airfield at Issoudun, France. On the right is a line of grounded airplanes; many airplanes are also flying above the field. On the left is a row of hangars. This field is part of the Third Aviation Instruction Center, the U.S.
Description
A pencil and watercolor sketch on paper of an airfield at Issoudun, France. On the right is a line of grounded airplanes; many airplanes are also flying above the field. On the left is a row of hangars. This field is part of the Third Aviation Instruction Center, the U.S. Air Service's largest training base in Europe during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25983
catalog number
25983
accession number
64592

A Street Corner at Badonviller

Pencil and watercolor on paper. The work depicts a street corner at Badonviller, France during World War I. A large pile of bundled supplies sits in front of a building with a sign reading "Cafe Des Halles."Currently not on view
Description
Pencil and watercolor on paper. The work depicts a street corner at Badonviller, France during World War I. A large pile of bundled supplies sits in front of a building with a sign reading "Cafe Des Halles."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25940
catalog number
25940
accession number
64592

Field Encampment near Dun-sur-Meuse

Ink and watercolor color sketch on paper. The work depicts a field encampment near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, after the Armistice of World War I. A road cuts through a field where there are a large number of tents pitched.
Description
Ink and watercolor color sketch on paper. The work depicts a field encampment near Dun-sur-Meuse, France, after the Armistice of World War I. A road cuts through a field where there are a large number of tents pitched. Several graves marked by crosses line one side of the road.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25926
catalog number
25926
accession number
64592

A Billet at Peronne

A watercolor and pencil sketch on paper of a billet at Peronne, France. The sketch depicts buildings in disrepair with several soldiers standing in the street. A stack of timber sits in front of the buildings.Currently not on view
Description
A watercolor and pencil sketch on paper of a billet at Peronne, France. The sketch depicts buildings in disrepair with several soldiers standing in the street. A stack of timber sits in front of the buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-04
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25901
catalog number
25901
accession number
64592

German Artillery Position Near Essey - St. Mihiel Sector

A pencil sketch on paper. This captured German artillery position near Essey is in the St. Mihiel Sector in France. The scene depicts a dugout covered with wood and leaves on top of a hill. This position would have provided optimal cover and range for artillery strikes.
Description
A pencil sketch on paper. This captured German artillery position near Essey is in the St. Mihiel Sector in France. The scene depicts a dugout covered with wood and leaves on top of a hill. This position would have provided optimal cover and range for artillery strikes. An American soldier sits on the ground in the right foreground.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-09
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25992
catalog number
25992
accession number
64592

The Army Cook, Reherrey

Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch shows an American soldier cooking on a moveable range in the archway of a building. Another soldier stands in the shadows of the archway.Currently not on view
Description
Charcoal sketch on paper. The sketch shows an American soldier cooking on a moveable range in the archway of a building. Another soldier stands in the shadows of the archway.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26034
catalog number
26034
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

The Plains of Is-sur-Tille

Charcoal sketch, with touches of watercolor, on paper. This landscape shows a flat expanse with a river in the background. At the left are men working, a locomotive, and a structure with a smokestack and another tall projectile.
Description
Charcoal sketch, with touches of watercolor, on paper. This landscape shows a flat expanse with a river in the background. At the left are men working, a locomotive, and a structure with a smokestack and another tall projectile. On the opposite side of the river, across the bridge, these same structures are repeated. In the foreground are several large, uncut lumber logs with men in between them. The catalog card for this drawing indicates that the men are troops engaged in erecting buildings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07-12
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.26070
catalog number
26070
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

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

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

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

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

Major R. M. Smith, Fourth Infantry

Charcoal, sanguine, graphite, and crayon sketches on thick textured cream wove paper. The paper is oriented vertically and divided into three scenes - one on the bottom that occupies the width of the paper, and two, situated side by side, on top of the bottom one.
Description
Charcoal, sanguine, graphite, and crayon sketches on thick textured cream wove paper. The paper is oriented vertically and divided into three scenes - one on the bottom that occupies the width of the paper, and two, situated side by side, on top of the bottom one. The top left scene is a view of a shell-torn church and a soldier through an open doorway. The inscription at the top left of this scene reads "CHURCH AT NESLES." The top right sketch shows a stairway leading to the entry of a building. Soldiers are sitting on the stairway; a gate is at the right. The inscription at the top right of this sketch reads "4th Inf. 3 Div. TROOPS BILLETED p.t. HEURETE bise FARM July 1...[cut off]." The bottom sketch shows a man walking away from a shell torn building.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-07
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Harding, George Matthews
ID Number
AF.25743
catalog number
25743
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 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

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

A View of Headquarters and Chaumont

Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts the city of Chaumont, France, the site of the American Expeditionary Force headquarters during World War I.
Description
Pencil and watercolor sketch on paper. The work depicts the city of Chaumont, France, the site of the American Expeditionary Force headquarters during World War I. A stream and an open field dotted with trees in the foreground leads to a bluff, topped with buildings, in the background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918-03-23
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25917
catalog number
25917
accession number
64592

At Romorantin

Mixed media sketch on paper of an airfield at Romorantin, France, during World War I. In the background and on the left are a line of hangars; airplanes are in the left and right of the sketch.
Description
Mixed media sketch on paper of an airfield at Romorantin, France, during World War I. In the background and on the left are a line of hangars; airplanes are in the left and right of the sketch. The planes have the blue, red, and white vertical stripes on their tail fins that indicate they are Allied planes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1918
associated date
1917-1918
associated person
War Department
artist
Smith, J. Andre
ID Number
AF.25952
catalog number
25952
accession number
64592

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.