The Art of World War I

During the first World War many artist across Europe chose to depict the war in their art, showing both the glorious and tragic aspects through their unique styles. The works that follow are examples of this.

Der Kriegsausbruch (Declaration of War) painted by Max Beckmann

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In the painting Der Kriegsausbruch painter Max Beckmann portrays a crowd that he witnessed on the streets of Berlin following Germany's declaration of war on France. The people of the crowd are just learning of the declaration of war, and each has a different reaction painted on their face, from eagerness to horror and shock.

Machine-gun painted by C. R. W. Nevinson

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Throughout World War I painter C. W. R. Nevinson is known for his paintings depicting soldiers on the battlefield using the style of Cubism that was being developed at the time. In his painting Machine-gun Nevinson depicts the relatively new invention, the machine gun, that had a tremendous impact on the way World War I was fought due to its ability to rapidly eliminate advancing enemy troops.

The Filling Factory painted by Charles Ginner

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In the painting The Filling Factory artist Charles Ginner provides an image of the concept of total war that was practiced during World War I. The painting depicts women working in a factory filling artillery shells to be used in battle. This was common during both World Wars, as men were required to serve in the military, which made it necessary for women to fill the open positions at factories and manufacturing plants.

A Street in Arras painted by John Singer Sargent

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Painter John Singer Sargent traveled through war-stricken France after the conclusion of World War I, which prompted him to produce many paintings of the ruins created by the constant artillery fire of battle. A Street in Arras is one such example of this. The painting depicts a wall destroyed presumably by artillery fire, giving a view into the destroyed interior of what used to be a home. Outside a group of soldiers rest up against the wall casually, as they have become accustomed to this kind of destruction.