Closing soon at the National World War I Museum and Memorial is Images of the Great War: European Offensives 1914-1916, the diverse exhibition featuring period works by artists from eight different European nations.
The exhibition features 41 pieces of art spanning 1914 through 1916 beginning with the invasion of Belgium and concluding with the Allies fruitless efforts at breaking the stalemate on the Somme. The exhibition features artists from France, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Turkey, Switzerland and the Netherlands and gives a unique perspective of the first two years of the war by featuring not only illustrated press and professional studio artists. The works of soldiers are also showcased, giving a first-hand representation of the horror and struggles they went through in their daily lives during a war that caused the deaths of more than nine million soldiers and countless civilians.
World War I brought many changes in society, art and culture and Images of the Great War reflects the shifts of the time with works ranging from those reminiscent of the 19th century pictorial style to art that reflected the modern and abstract revolutions.
The opportunity to see these historical pieces from this influential and pivotal time in world history is available until the exhibition closes Sunday, Oct. 9.
–Sean Juzdan
