Turning Points In Art

Over thousands of years, art has irrefutably been the most accurate technique to ever capture crucial moments in human history. From ancient cave paintings to the impressionist movement, all the way to present-day graffiti, art has been constantly recording these significant turning points in history through physical representations that we continue to find, observe, and interpret. gives us the perfect way to seize these moments and let us peek into a world that our minds can only imagine. That is why art has been such a fascinating outcome of World War I; generations later, we are still able to get a glimpse of the tension, the terror, and the brutal aftermath of the worldwide conflict that would ultimately change the face of the world forever.
Since the majority of men were drafted into the war, women back home had to take up jobs in weapon factories. Therefore the unemployment rate at this time was extremely low. Unfortunately, the work that these employees had to do was not only exhausting, but dangerous. Workers handled toxic chemicals without proper protection, and sometimes explosives would accidently ignite; factory explosions would injure and kill thousands of workers over the course of the war. In this painting, the workers’ fatigued demeanors and slouchy postures express the emotional impact of the war and their tiring jobs. While other works display the happenings of the battlefield, this painting shows us the mental and emotional effects on the workers back
It was a great representation of utmost nationalism and pride among the Allied powers. It depicted over 6,000 figures ranging from French to British to Russian, all bearing flags that represent their respective countries. Since the US joined the war relatively late, a portion of the original painting had to be erased and an American section was added in. As the piece traveled from place to place and was sold at many auctions, it began to tear and rip since it was so big. When it made it to America, the painting was not only patched up, but also slightly modified; notable American figures like FDR and Truman were added in, and a bouquet was painted at the feet of Woodrow Wilson. The piece meticulously captures how the war was a combined effort and just how many people of different backgrounds came together to defeat the Central powers. Since this painting doesn’t depict any fighting, only rejoicing, it’s not a truly accurate representation of the actual battles, bloodshed, and loss that made up World War I. However, the painting does give the viewer a sense of relief and pride as they see countries coming together and soldiers confidently waving their flags of the Allied powers.

Over the Top by John Nash (the brother of Paul Nash) illustrates a December 30th, 1917, Welsh-ridge counterattack where the 1st Battalion Artists Rifles left the trench and pushed forwards.