Victor A. Lundy's WWII sketches and the history of war artists
This article explores the evolution of war artists from ancient eras to the digital era, citing Georges Bataille's 1955 publication 'Lascaux ou la naissance de l'art'. The concept of 'war artist' originated during World War I when artists were commissioned by the US, UK, Australia, and Canada to illustrate battles. Notable figures during the US Civil War included Winslow Homer and Alfred Waud. In World War II, 42 artists were chosen by the US Army under George Biddle, who advocated for a comprehensive portrayal of war. Although funding diminished, Life Magazine hired civilian artists, resulting in over 2,000 pieces. The Vietnam War Combat Artist Teams spent 60 days sketching in Vietnam, with Victor A. Lundy’s 1944 sketches being donated to the Library of Congress in 2009.
Key facts
- Georges Bataille's 1955 book 'Lascaux ou la naissance de l'art' links humanity's birth to art and death to weapons of mass destruction.
- The term 'war artist' originated in World War I when the US, UK, Australia, and Canada officially commissioned artists.
- During the US Civil War, artists Winslow Homer, Alfred Waud, and Edwin Forbes were commissioned.
- In World War II, the US Army Art Program selected 42 artists by spring 1943 under George Biddle's committee.
- Funding was cut two months later, but Life Magazine continued civilian artist work, producing over 2,000 works.
- Vietnam War Combat Artist Teams spent 60 days in Vietnam drawing and 30 days in Hawaii finishing works.
- William J. Mitchell's 1994 book defined the early 1990s as the 'Post Photographic Era'.
- Victor A. Lundy donated his WWII sketchbooks to the Library of Congress in 2009.
- Lundy's sketches depict scenes in France from May to November 1944 until he was wounded.
- Jean Dubuffet said 'The hand speaks'.
Entities
Artists
- Georges Bataille
- Winslow Homer
- Alfred Waud
- Edwin Forbes
- George Biddle
- William J. Mitchell
- Victor A. Lundy
- Jean Dubuffet
- Sarah G. Forgey
- Mohsen Veysi
Institutions
- US Army
- US Army Art Program
- Advisory Committee on War Art
- Life Magazine
- American Art Collection
- Combat Artist Team
- Library of Congress
- New York University
- Artribune
Locations
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
- Vietnam
- Hawaii
- Europe
- Fort Jackson
- France
- Washington, D.C.
- Italy
- Iran