Machine in a Void: World War I & the Graphic Arts

Exhibition

Stephen Goddard, curator

Kress Gallery, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas

Several years in the making, the Spencer-organized Machine in a Void will present nearly 150 works of graphic art made during the years of the First World War (1914-1918), with a post-script on the art of the decade following the war. By invoking the perspective of primarily European artists, the exhibition will bring attention to the substantial roles played by the graphic arts during WWI (1914-1918) as a tool for official propaganda and as means of voicing individual responses to the war ranging from documentation to dissent.

Machine in a Void is made possible by the generous support of the Breidenthal-Snyder Foundation.

The genesis of the exhibition stems from the Spencer’s acquisition of a rare and extensive treatment of the war by Belgian artist Henry de Groux in the form of nearly 50 etchings. These proofs and trial prints were preparatory to a portfolio, Le Visage de la Victoire (The Face of Victory). In his introduction to the printed series, de Groux wrote of the war as an “undeniable and colossal absurdity, like a machine functioning in a void,” an “opulent excess of perfect horror.” The Spencer’s exhibition derives its title from de Groux’s evocative expression. The central goal of the exhibition is to identify and give voice to those artists who, through their work during and shortly after WWI, renounced specific national concerns to articulate a more transcendent vision. These uncommon voices will be exhibited along with mainstream nationalistic and propagandistic works.

The exhibition will be largely drawn from the permanent collection of the Spencer Museum of Art, and will include material that may provoke discussions of the rise of ironic and ambivalent attitudes toward war, the defenselessness of innocents in the face of modern war machines, the use of the graphic arts to promote official government attitudes, and the role of mechanized warfare within the dystopian idea of the Machine Age. The Spencer's collections are rich in works from France, Belgium and Germany and the exhibited artists include Otto Dix, Kerr Eby, George Grosz, Jules de Bruycker, Henry de Groux, André Devambez, Erich Heckel, Henri Ibels, Jean-Emile Laboureur, Karl Maes, Maxime Maufra, Ludwig Meidner, Robert Michel, Johannes Molzahn, Karl Schmidt-Rotluff, Georg Scholz, Max Slevogt, Edmond van Dooren, and, Jean Veber.

Stephen Goddard, senior curator of prints & drawings, is organizing the exhibition following a sabbatical spent primarily in Germany and a fellowship at the Wolfsonian-Florida International University-one of the world’s great repositories for WWI-era material culture. In conjunction with the exhibition, the Spencer will offer programming that involves the campus and the community, including curricular initiatives at KU, a film/book series, children’s art classes, and social networking. A catalogue is planned.

Exhibition images

Works of art

Lucien Jonas (1880–1947); Devambez Printers, Journée de l'Armée d'Afrique et des Troupes Coloniales (African Army and Colonial Troops Day) — Journée de l'Armée d'Afrique et des Troupes Coloniales (African Army and Colonial Troops Day)

Lucien Jonas, Devambez Printers

1917

Pierre Mourgue, Journée serbe, 25 Juin 1916 (Serbia Day, June 25 1916) — Journée serbe, 25 Juin 1916 (Serbia Day, June 25 1916)

Pierre Mourgue

1916

A. Maksimov (active 1914–1929?), The American Ambulance in Russia, World War I — The American Ambulance in Russia, World War I

A. Maksimov

1916 (poster), 1918 (English texts added)

Charles Dominique Fouqueray (1869 or 1872–1956), Le Cardinal Mercier Protège Belgique (Cardinal Mercier Protecting Belgium) — Le Cardinal Mercier Protège Belgique (Cardinal Mercier Protecting Belgium)

Charles Dominique Fouqueray

1916

Francisque Poulbot (1879–1946), Journée Du Poilu--Organiseé Par Le Parlement (Day of the Infantryman--Organized by Parliament) — Journée Du Poilu--Organiseé Par Le Parlement (Day of the Infantryman--Organized by Parliament)

Francisque Poulbot

1915

Albert Bloch (1882–1961), Self-portrait — Self-portrait

Albert Bloch

1913

George Grosz (1893–1959), Gefangen (Prisoners of War) — Gefangen (Prisoners of War)

George Grosz

1915

Otto Dix (1891–1969), self-portraits — self-portraits

Otto Dix

1914

Max Beckmann (1884–1950), Self-portrait — Self-portrait

Max Beckmann

1922

Lovis Corinth (1858–1925), untitled (self-portrait) — untitled (self-portrait)

Lovis Corinth

1919

Johannes Itten (1888–1967), Composition — Composition

Johannes Itten

1917

Oskar Schlemmer (1888–1943), Figure Facing Left — Figure Facing Left

Oskar Schlemmer

1923

Franz Marc (1880–1916), Reitschule (Riding School) — Reitschule (Riding School)

Franz Marc

1913

Jon Blumb (born 1956); Joseph Judd Pennell (1866–1922), Harvey Muenzenmayer, Fort Riley — Harvey Muenzenmayer, Fort Riley

Jon Blumb, Joseph Judd Pennell

1918

László Moholy-Nagy (1894–1946), untitled — untitled

László Moholy-Nagy

1921

El Lissitzky (1890–1941), Posten (Sentry) — Posten (Sentry)

El Lissitzky

1923

Vassily Kandinsky (1866–1944), Kleine Welten VI (Small Worlds VI) — Kleine Welten VI (Small Worlds VI)

Vassily Kandinsky

1922

Jules de Bruycker (1870–1945), Ieperen de Slechte Maere (Ypres--the Grim Reaper) — Ieperen de Slechte Maere (Ypres--the Grim Reaper)

Jules de Bruycker

1916

Robert Michel (1897–1983), MEZ (Mitteleuropaische Zeit) No. 2 [CET (Central European Time) No. 2] — MEZ (Mitteleuropaische Zeit) No. 2 [CET (Central European Time) No. 2]

Robert Michel

1919–1920

Daniel Chester French (1850–1931), Disarmament — Disarmament

Daniel Chester French

1918

Cyril Edward Power (1872–1951), The Tube Staircase — The Tube Staircase

Cyril Edward Power

1929

Max Kaus (1891–1977), Kopf (Self-portrait) — Kopf (Self-portrait)

Max Kaus

1920

Miklós Farkasházy (1895–1964), Portrait of György Bàlint — Portrait of György Bàlint

Miklós Farkasházy

1926

Johannes Molzahn (1892–1965), Klingen (Sound) — Klingen (Sound)

Johannes Molzahn

1919

Otto Dix (1891–1969), Nelly I — Nelly I

Otto Dix

1923–1924

Kerr Eby (1889–1946), September 13, 1918, St. Mihiel — September 13, 1918, St. Mihiel

Kerr Eby

1934

Otto Dix (1891–1969), untitled (In the trenches) — untitled (In the trenches)

Otto Dix

circa 1916

Otto Dix (1891–1969), untitled (flooded craters) — untitled (flooded craters)

Otto Dix

circa 1916

Hans Windisch (1891–1965), Sonderblatt der Ausgabe A: Kopf Palmströms (Palmström's head) — Sonderblatt der Ausgabe A: Kopf Palmströms (Palmström's head)

Hans Windisch

1920

Hans Windisch (1891–1965), Blatt 1: Bildhauerisches (Sculptural) — Blatt 1: Bildhauerisches (Sculptural)

Hans Windisch

1920

Hans Windisch (1891–1965), Blatt 2: Der Werwolf (The Werewolf) — Blatt 2: Der Werwolf (The Werewolf)

Hans Windisch

1920

Hans Windisch (1891–1965), Blatt 3: Der Traum der Magd (The Maid) — Blatt 3: Der Traum der Magd (The Maid)

Hans Windisch

1920

Hans Windisch (1891–1965), Blatt 4: Himmel und Erde (Heaven and Earth) — Blatt 4: Himmel und Erde (Heaven and Earth)

Hans Windisch

1920

Hans Windisch (1891–1965), Blatt 5: Die unmögliche Tatsache (The Unlikely Fact) — Blatt 5: Die unmögliche Tatsache (The Unlikely Fact)

Hans Windisch

1920

Hans Windisch (1891–1965), Blatt 6: Die Mausefalle (The Mousetrap) — Blatt 6: Die Mausefalle (The Mousetrap)

Hans Windisch

1920

Hans Windisch (1891–1965), Blatt 7: Das Gebet (The Prayer) — Blatt 7: Das Gebet (The Prayer)

Hans Windisch

1920

Hans Windisch (1891–1965), Blatt 8: Die Kugeln (crumpled-paper balls) — Blatt 8: Die Kugeln (crumpled-paper balls)

Hans Windisch

1920

Hans Windisch (1891–1965), Blatt 9: Der Wasseresel (The Seahorse) — Blatt 9: Der Wasseresel (The Seahorse)

Hans Windisch

1920

Hans Windisch (1891–1965), Blatt 10: Sophie, die Henkersmagd (Sophie, the Executioner's Mate) — Blatt 10: Sophie, die Henkersmagd (Sophie, the Executioner's Mate)

Hans Windisch

1920

Jean Louis Forain (1852–1931), La Fête-Dieu à Paris (Corpus Christi in Paris) — La Fête-Dieu à Paris (Corpus Christi in Paris)

Jean Louis Forain

circa 1917

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884–1976), Trauernde am Strand (Mourners on a Beach) — Trauernde am Strand (Mourners on a Beach)

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff

1914

Tanaka Ryōzō; Shōbidō, The Illustration of the Great European War No. 15 — The Illustration of the Great European War No. 15

Tanaka Ryōzō, Shōbidō

1914, Taisho period (1912–1926)

Francisque Poulbot (1879–1946), Laissons la d’abord donner a boire, nous la tuerons après (Let Her First Give Him a Drink, We Will Kill Her Afterward) — Laissons la d’abord donner a boire, nous la tuerons après (Let Her First Give Him a Drink, We Will Kill Her Afterward)

Francisque Poulbot

1914–1918

Jean Veber (1864–1928), Le Débuché (The Release) — Le Débuché (The Release)

Jean Veber

1914

Jean Veber (1864–1928), La Brute est lâchée (The Brute is Let Loose) — La Brute est lâchée (The Brute is Let Loose)

Jean Veber

1914

Jean Veber (1864–1928), Marmites-pots des fleurs-pruneaux…etc. (Pots, Flowerpots, Plums, etc.) — Marmites-pots des fleurs-pruneaux…etc. (Pots, Flowerpots, Plums, etc.)

Jean Veber

1914

C. Cousin, Le Petit Poucet (Hop O'My Thumb) — Le Petit Poucet (Hop O'My Thumb)

C. Cousin

1914–1918

Lucien Laforge, le concert au front (The Concert at the Front) — le concert au front (The Concert at the Front)

Lucien Laforge

1914–1918

Lucien Laforge, l’espion (The Spy) — l’espion (The Spy)

Lucien Laforge

1914–1918

Lucien Laforge, le cuistot (The Cook) — le cuistot (The Cook)

Lucien Laforge

1914–1918

Henri Gabriel Ibels (1867–1936), L’Insomnie du Kaiser (The Kaiser's Insomnia) — L’Insomnie du Kaiser (The Kaiser's Insomnia)

Henri Gabriel Ibels

1914

Henri Gabriel Ibels (1867–1936), L’antechrist perda sa couronne et mourra dans la solitude et la démence (The Antichrist Will Lose His Crown and Will Die in Loneliness and Insanity) — L’antechrist perda sa couronne et mourra dans la solitude et la démence (The Antichrist Will Lose His Crown and Will Die in Loneliness and Insanity)

Henri Gabriel Ibels

1914

Félix Jules Lacaille, Le Coup de Massue du l’un (One Knock-down Blow) — Le Coup de Massue du l’un (One Knock-down Blow)

Félix Jules Lacaille

1914–1918

Emile Causé (1867–?), Le Kaiser Prend Le Commandement Des Armées Austro-Hongroises & Allemandes (The Kaiser Takes Command of the Austro-Hungarian and German Armies) — Le Kaiser Prend Le Commandement Des Armées Austro-Hongroises & Allemandes (The Kaiser Takes Command of the Austro-Hungarian and German Armies)

Emile Causé

1914

Joseph Sirat (1869–1936), Le Condomné (The Condemned) — Le Condomné (The Condemned)

Joseph Sirat

1916

K. Wagner, Kultur (Culture) — Kultur (Culture)

K. Wagner

1914

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Soldats masques (Masked Soldiers) — Soldats masques (Masked Soldiers)

Henry de Groux

1915

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), Les réserves (The Reserves) — Les réserves (The Reserves)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

Tristan Tzara (1896–1963), DADA 4-5: Anthologie Dada — DADA 4-5: Anthologie Dada

Tristan Tzara

1919

Richard von Below (1879–1925), Flüchtlinge aus Stallupönen (Refugees from Stallupönen) — Flüchtlinge aus Stallupönen (Refugees from Stallupönen)

Richard von Below

1914

Karl Maes (1900–1974), untitled — untitled

Karl Maes

1922

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), Un schrapnell (Schrapnell) — Un schrapnell (Schrapnell)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), Le bouclier (The Shield) — Le bouclier (The Shield)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), L'espionne (The Spy) — L'espionne (The Spy)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), La pluie (The Rain) — La pluie (The Rain)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), Le froid (The Cold) — Le froid (The Cold)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), Les otages (The Hostages) — Les otages (The Hostages)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), Les trous d'obus (Shell Holes) — Les trous d'obus (Shell Holes)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), Gare la marmite! (Watch Out for the Big Shell!) — Gare la marmite! (Watch Out for the Big Shell!)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), Le charbon (Coal) — Le charbon (Coal)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), L'incendie (Fire) — L'incendie (Fire)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), Le fou (The Crazed Man) — Le fou (The Crazed Man)

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944), title page — title page

André Edouard Devambez

1915–1917

Otto Dix (1891–1969), Explosion — Explosion

Otto Dix

1918

Paul Klee (1879–1940), Der Seiltänzer (Tightrope Walker) — Der Seiltänzer (Tightrope Walker)

Paul Klee

1923

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Meduse (Medusa) — Meduse (Medusa)

Henry de Groux

1914

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), L'Eclipse (The Eclipse) — L'Eclipse (The Eclipse)

Henry de Groux

1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Le Chanteur des couers (The Singer of Hearts) — Le Chanteur des couers (The Singer of Hearts)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Les Drapeaux (The Flags) — Les Drapeaux (The Flags)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Le Guetteur (The Sentry) — Le Guetteur (The Sentry)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Aveugles (The Blind) — Aveugles (The Blind)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Les Voyants (The Seeing) — Les Voyants (The Seeing)

Henry de Groux

1914

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Lux perpetua luceat eis (Let Perpetual Light Shine upon Them) — Lux perpetua luceat eis (Let Perpetual Light Shine upon Them)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Nullo odore cum Deis prodigae — Nullo odore cum Deis prodigae

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), La Comète de la Guerre (21 Janvier 1913) [The Comet of War (21 January 1913)] — La Comète de la Guerre (21 Janvier 1913) [The Comet of War (21 January 1913)]

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), La Comète de la Guerre (The Comet of War) — La Comète de la Guerre (The Comet of War)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Meduse, Esssai (Medusa, trial proof) — Meduse, Esssai (Medusa, trial proof)

Henry de Groux

1914

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Avant l’inhumation (ou l’incineration) - Allemands Morts (Before the Burial (or The Incineration) - Dead Germans) — Avant l’inhumation (ou l’incineration) - Allemands Morts (Before the Burial (or The Incineration) - Dead Germans)

Henry de Groux

1914

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Prisonniers fossoyeurs (Prisoner Gravediggers) — Prisonniers fossoyeurs (Prisoner Gravediggers)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Chevaliers errants (Knights Errant) — Chevaliers errants (Knights Errant)

Henry de Groux

1915?

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Lacrymogène (Teargas) — Lacrymogène (Teargas)

Henry de Groux

1915

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), untitled (L’Aube) (untitled [The Dawn]) — untitled (L’Aube) (untitled [The Dawn])

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Soud l’oeil divin (Beneath the Divine Eye) — Soud l’oeil divin (Beneath the Divine Eye)

Henry de Groux

1914–1915

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Tranchée muette (Mute Trench) — Tranchée muette (Mute Trench)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Le retour au foyer (The Return Home) — Le retour au foyer (The Return Home)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Le mauvais image (The Evil Semblance) — Le mauvais image (The Evil Semblance)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Batteries detruites (Destroyed Batteries) — Batteries detruites (Destroyed Batteries)

Henry de Groux

1914 (1915?)

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Le souffre-douleur ennemi (The Enemy Scapegoat) — Le souffre-douleur ennemi (The Enemy Scapegoat)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Combat à la grenade - ou “le concours des crapeaux” (Fight for the Grenade - or “The Beggars Brawl”) — Combat à la grenade - ou “le concours des crapeaux” (Fight for the Grenade - or “The Beggars Brawl”)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Le Petroleur (The Flamethrower) — Le Petroleur (The Flamethrower)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Indoux aux tranchées (Hindus in the Trenches) — Indoux aux tranchées (Hindus in the Trenches)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), L’e[n]jeu du stratege (The Wager of Strategy) — L’e[n]jeu du stratege (The Wager of Strategy)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Le soleil des morts (The Sun of the Dead) — Le soleil des morts (The Sun of the Dead)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Veillée de Captifs (Captives' Vigil) — Veillée de Captifs (Captives' Vigil)

Henry de Groux

1915

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), untitled — untitled

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Le Veilleur (The Sentry) — Le Veilleur (The Sentry)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), L’ancètre (The Ancestor) — L’ancètre (The Ancestor)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Lanceur de granade (Grenade Thrower) — Lanceur de granade (Grenade Thrower)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Tranchée conquise (Conquered Trench) — Tranchée conquise (Conquered Trench)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Henry de Groux (1867–1930), Lanceur de granade (The Grenade Thrower) — Lanceur de granade (The Grenade Thrower)

Henry de Groux

1914–1916

Urlich or Kukke?, untitled (puppet maker and the heads of Europe) — untitled (puppet maker and the heads of Europe)

Urlich or Kukke?

1900s

Erich Heckel (1883–1970), Mann in der Ebene (Man on a Plain) — Mann in der Ebene (Man on a Plain)

Erich Heckel

1917

George Grosz (1893–1959), Friedrichstrasse — Friedrichstrasse

George Grosz

1918

Georg Scholz (1890–1945), Hinrichtung (Summary Execution) — Hinrichtung (Summary Execution)

Georg Scholz

1921

Jean-Émile Laboureur (1877–1943), Types de l'Armée Américaine en France (Types of the American Army in France) — Types de l'Armée Américaine en France (Types of the American Army in France)

Jean-Émile Laboureur

1918

Ernst Barlach (1870–1938), Aus einem neuzeitlichen Totentanz (From a Modern Dance of Death) — Aus einem neuzeitlichen Totentanz (From a Modern Dance of Death)

Ernst Barlach

1916

Ernst Barlach (1870–1938), Wem Zeit wie Ewigkeit und Ewigkeit wie Zeit, der ist befreit von allem Leid (If Time Was Like Eternity and Eternity Like Time, There Would Be Freedom From All Suffering) — Wem Zeit wie Ewigkeit und Ewigkeit wie Zeit, der ist befreit von allem Leid (If Time Was Like Eternity and Eternity Like Time, There Would Be Freedom From All Suffering)

Ernst Barlach

1916

Willy Jaeckel (1888–1944), Schlachtfeld (Battleground) — Schlachtfeld (Battleground)

Willy Jaeckel

1915

Max Slevogt (1868–1932), Symbole der Zeit IX (Trommler) (Symbols of the Time IX (Drummer)) — Symbole der Zeit IX (Trommler) (Symbols of the Time IX (Drummer))

Max Slevogt

1916

George Grosz (1893–1959), Schwejk: “melde gehorsamst, daß ich blöd bin” (Schwejk:"Beg to report, I’m an idiot") — Schwejk: “melde gehorsamst, daß ich blöd bin” (Schwejk:"Beg to report, I’m an idiot")

George Grosz

1928

George Grosz (1893–1959), Volkes Stimme (The Voice of the People) — Volkes Stimme (The Voice of the People)

George Grosz

1928

George Grosz (1893–1959), Bitte recht freundlich (Please look friendly) — Bitte recht freundlich (Please look friendly)

George Grosz

1928

George Grosz (1893–1959), Maul halten und weiter dienen (Shut Up and Do Your Duty) — Maul halten und weiter dienen (Shut Up and Do Your Duty)

George Grosz

1928

George Grosz (1893–1959), Mir ist der Krieg wie eine Badekur bekommen (The War Did Me a Lot of Good, Like a Spa) — Mir ist der Krieg wie eine Badekur bekommen (The War Did Me a Lot of Good, Like a Spa)

George Grosz

1928

George Grosz (1893–1959), Bald wieder: "je grausamer, je humaner." (Soon Again: "the More Cruel, the More Human") — Bald wieder: "je grausamer, je humaner." (Soon Again: "the More Cruel, the More Human")

George Grosz

1928

George Grosz (1893–1959), cover wrapper — cover wrapper

George Grosz

1928

Guy Arnoux (1886–1951); Roger Boutet de Monvel, Carnet d’un permissionnaire (Notebook of a Soldier on Leave) — Carnet d’un permissionnaire (Notebook of a Soldier on Leave)

Guy Arnoux, Roger Boutet de Monvel

1917

Edmond van Dooren, Improvisatie (Improvisation) — Improvisatie (Improvisation)

Edmond van Dooren

1920–1921

Maxime Maufra (1861–1918), Le Zeppelin (The Zeppelin) — Le Zeppelin (The Zeppelin)

Maxime Maufra

1917

Maxime Maufra (1861–1918), Les feux de nuit / dunes de Nieuport (Night Fires / Nieuport Dunes) — Les feux de nuit / dunes de Nieuport (Night Fires / Nieuport Dunes)

Maxime Maufra

1917

Maxime Maufra (1861–1918), Le cimitière des fusillés-marins à Nieuport (Marine Cemetery at Nieuport) — Le cimitière des fusillés-marins à Nieuport (Marine Cemetery at Nieuport)

Maxime Maufra

1917

Maxime Maufra (1861–1918), Après le bombardement (After the Bombardment) — Après le bombardement (After the Bombardment)

Maxime Maufra

1917

Maxime Maufra (1861–1918), Dans la niege (In the Snow) — Dans la niege (In the Snow)

Maxime Maufra

1917

Maxime Maufra (1861–1918), Poste avancé sur l'Yser (Outpost on the Yser) — Poste avancé sur l'Yser (Outpost on the Yser)

Maxime Maufra

1917

Maxime Maufra (1861–1918), Torpillage du trois-mâts (Torpedoing of the Three-master) — Torpillage du trois-mâts (Torpedoing of the Three-master)

Maxime Maufra

1917

Maxime Maufra (1861–1918), La route des Flandres (The Road to Flanders) — La route des Flandres (The Road to Flanders)

Maxime Maufra

1917

Maxime Maufra (1861–1918), L'usine détruite - Nieuport (Ruined Factory, Nieuport) — L'usine détruite - Nieuport (Ruined Factory, Nieuport)

Maxime Maufra

1917

Franz Hein (1863–1927), Waldruine (Klein-Arnsburg) [Forest Ruins (Klein-Arnsburg)] — Waldruine (Klein-Arnsburg) [Forest Ruins (Klein-Arnsburg)]

Franz Hein

1918

Franz Hein (1863–1927), Waldtalbrücke (Forest Viaduct) — Waldtalbrücke (Forest Viaduct)

Franz Hein

1918

Franz Hein (1863–1927), Herbststurm (Autumn Storm) — Herbststurm (Autumn Storm)

Franz Hein

1918

Franz Hein (1863–1927), Ruine Lützelhardt (Lützelhardt Ruins) — Ruine Lützelhardt (Lützelhardt Ruins)

Franz Hein

1918

Franz Hein (1863–1927), Ruine Wasigenstein (Wasigenstein Ruins) — Ruine Wasigenstein (Wasigenstein Ruins)

Franz Hein

1918

Franz Hein (1863–1927), Ruine Schönek (Schönek Ruins) — Ruine Schönek (Schönek Ruins)

Franz Hein

1918

Georg Scholz (1890–1945), Gestalt Mit Tod (Figure with Death) — Gestalt Mit Tod (Figure with Death)

Georg Scholz

1919

Hermann-Paul (1864–1940), title page — title page

Hermann-Paul

1915

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), Lecture de la carte (couverture) [Reading of the chart (cover)] — Lecture de la carte (couverture) [Reading of the chart (cover)]

Maurice Busset

1920

Maurice Neumont (1868–1930), On Ne Passe Pas!, 1914-1918 (They Shall Not Pass! 1914-1918) — On Ne Passe Pas!, 1914-1918 (They Shall Not Pass! 1914-1918)

Maurice Neumont

1918

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, portfolio cover — portfolio cover

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Hermann-Paul (1864–1940), Kultur au Printemps (Kultur in Spring) — Kultur au Printemps (Kultur in Spring)

Hermann-Paul

1915

Hermann-Paul (1864–1940), Kultur en Éte (Kultur in Summer) — Kultur en Éte (Kultur in Summer)

Hermann-Paul

1915

Hermann-Paul (1864–1940), Kultur en Automne (Kultur in Autumn) — Kultur en Automne (Kultur in Autumn)

Hermann-Paul

1915

Hermann-Paul (1864–1940), Kultur en Hiver (Kultur in Winter) — Kultur en Hiver (Kultur in Winter)

Hermann-Paul

1915

Hermann-Paul (1864–1940), Kulture au Printemps (Kultur in Spring) — Kulture au Printemps (Kultur in Spring)

Hermann-Paul

1915

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), Avion de chasse Nieuport (titre) [Nieuport Fighter Plane (title)] — Avion de chasse Nieuport (titre) [Nieuport Fighter Plane (title)]

Maurice Busset

1920

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), Mécanos portant un moteur rotatif (Mechanics Carrying a Rotary Engine) — Mécanos portant un moteur rotatif (Mechanics Carrying a Rotary Engine)

Maurice Busset

1920

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), Bombardier et mitrailleur (Bomber and Machine Gunner) — Bombardier et mitrailleur (Bomber and Machine Gunner)

Maurice Busset

1920

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), Le départ, Avion SPAD (The Departure, SPAD Plane) — Le départ, Avion SPAD (The Departure, SPAD Plane)

Maurice Busset

1920

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), La traverse des lignes (Caught in the Crosshairs) — La traverse des lignes (Caught in the Crosshairs)

Maurice Busset

1920

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), Le combat bi-moteur G.4 et Albatros (Twin-engine G.4 and Albatross Fight) — Le combat bi-moteur G.4 et Albatros (Twin-engine G.4 and Albatross Fight)

Maurice Busset

1920

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), Monoplan M.S attaquant un LVG [Monoplane Morane-Saulnier (M.S.) attacking a Luftverkehrsgesellschaft (LVG)] — Monoplan M.S attaquant un LVG [Monoplane Morane-Saulnier (M.S.) attacking a Luftverkehrsgesellschaft (LVG)]

Maurice Busset

1920

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), Flotte de Zeppelins attaquant l’Angleterre, 1916 (Fleet of Zeppelins Attacking England, 1916) — Flotte de Zeppelins attaquant l’Angleterre, 1916 (Fleet of Zeppelins Attacking England, 1916)

Maurice Busset

1920

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), Combat d’hydravions et de Zeppelins, mer du Nord, 1916 (Seaplanes and Zeppelins in Combat, North Sea, 1916) — Combat d’hydravions et de Zeppelins, mer du Nord, 1916 (Seaplanes and Zeppelins in Combat, North Sea, 1916)

Maurice Busset

1920

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), L’escadrille qui passe tranchées de Verdun, 1916 (The Flotilla Over the Trenches of Verdun, 1916) — L’escadrille qui passe tranchées de Verdun, 1916 (The Flotilla Over the Trenches of Verdun, 1916)

Maurice Busset

1920

Maurice Busset (1879–1936), Le fin d’un Taube, bombardements de Paris, 1915 (A Taube’s End, Bombardments of Paris, 1915) — Le fin d’un Taube, bombardements de Paris, 1915 (A Taube’s End, Bombardments of Paris, 1915)

Maurice Busset

1920

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 1: le militarisme (Militarism) — Plate 1: le militarisme (Militarism)

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 2: la propiété (Property) — Plate 2: la propiété (Property)

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 3: la philanthropie (Philanthropy) — Plate 3: la philanthropie (Philanthropy)

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 4: la social-démocratie (Social Democracy) — Plate 4: la social-démocratie (Social Democracy)

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 5: la justice (Justice) — Plate 5: la justice (Justice)

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 6: la colonization (Colonization) — Plate 6: la colonization (Colonization)

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 7:le fascisme (Fascism) — Plate 7:le fascisme (Fascism)

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 8:le mouchardage (Police Spy) — Plate 8:le mouchardage (Police Spy)

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 9: le parlementarisme (Parliamentary Government) — Plate 9: le parlementarisme (Parliamentary Government)

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 10: l’esprit moyen (Average Mind) — Plate 10: l’esprit moyen (Average Mind)

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 11: la religion (Religion) — Plate 11: la religion (Religion)

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes, Plate 12: la chauvinisme — Plate 12: la chauvinisme

Fred Deltor, Les Éditions Socialistes

1928

Otto Haas-Heye (1879–1959), Zeit-Echo. Ein Kriegs-Tagebuch der Künstler (Time-Echo. An Artists' War Diary) — Zeit-Echo. Ein Kriegs-Tagebuch der Künstler (Time-Echo. An Artists' War Diary)

Otto Haas-Heye

1914–1915

Max Pechstein (1881–1955), An Alle Künstler! (To All Artists!) — An Alle Künstler! (To All Artists!)

Max Pechstein

1919

Wenzel Hablik (1881–1934), untitled — untitled

Wenzel Hablik

1909

Wenzel Hablik (1881–1934), Da wohnten Menschen auf Kristall'nen Bäumen (There people lived in crystal trees) — Da wohnten Menschen auf Kristall'nen Bäumen (There people lived in crystal trees)

Wenzel Hablik

1925

no 1, Guillaume II (Kaiser Wilhelm II)

1914–1918

no. 2, Francois-Joseph (Emperor Franz Josef)

1914–1918

no. 4, Von Moltke (General Helmuth von Moltke)

1914–1918

no. 5, Von Kluck (General Alexander Von Kluck)

1914–1918

Susanne Herrand (circa 1905–?), Semez du blé. C'est de l'or pour la France (Sow corn. It means gold for France) — Semez du blé. C'est de l'or pour la France (Sow corn. It means gold for France)

Susanne Herrand

1918

Andrée Ménard (circa 1905–?), Prêez vos billets de banquet a la Franc. Prene des bons de la defense nationale (Lend your bank-notes to France. Buy national defense bonds) — Prêez vos billets de banquet a la Franc. Prene des bons de la defense nationale (Lend your bank-notes to France. Buy national defense bonds)

Andrée Ménard

1918

Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs (1876–1938), Epiphany — Epiphany

Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs

1918–1919

Ludwig Meidner (1884–1966), Septemberschrei. Hymnen / Gebete / Lästerungen. Mit vierzehn Steindrucken (September-scream. Hymns / Prayers / Calumnies. With Fourteen Lithographs) — Septemberschrei. Hymnen / Gebete / Lästerungen. Mit vierzehn Steindrucken (September-scream. Hymns / Prayers / Calumnies. With Fourteen Lithographs)

Ludwig Meidner

1920

Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956), Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 1 — Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 1

Louis Raemaekers

1915–1917

Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956), Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 2 — Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 2

Louis Raemaekers

1915–1917

Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956), Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 3 — Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 3

Louis Raemaekers

1915–1917

Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956), Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 4 — Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 4

Louis Raemaekers

1915–1917

Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956), Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 5 — Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 5

Louis Raemaekers

1915–1917

Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956), Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 6 — Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 6

Louis Raemaekers

1915–1917

Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956), Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 7 — Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 7

Louis Raemaekers

1915–1917

Frans Masereel (1889–1972); Servire, Gisteren Nog Misdaad ...Heden? (Yesterday's Crime ...Today?) — Gisteren Nog Misdaad ...Heden? (Yesterday's Crime ...Today?)

Frans Masereel, Servire

circa 1932

William Wadsworth (1889–1949), War Engine — War Engine

William Wadsworth

1915

Lyonel Feininger (1871–1956), Die Kriegsmaschine des Vierverbandes / Irgendwo muß eine Schraube los sein. (The war machine of the Quadruple Alliance / There must be a screw loose) — Die Kriegsmaschine des Vierverbandes / Irgendwo muß eine Schraube los sein. (The war machine of the Quadruple Alliance / There must be a screw loose)

Lyonel Feininger

1915

Erich Schilling (1885–1944), Maibild (May Picture) — Maibild (May Picture)

Erich Schilling

1916

Willy Jaeckel (1888–1944), Franktireurs. Aus der Mappe "Memento 1914/1915" (Geurilla Fighters. From the portfolio "Memento 1914/1915") — Franktireurs. Aus der Mappe "Memento 1914/1915" (Geurilla Fighters. From the portfolio "Memento 1914/1915")

Willy Jaeckel

1915

unknown maker, British Tank. Ypres - Poelcappelle Road (U.S. Signal Corps) — British Tank. Ypres - Poelcappelle Road (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1917–1918

unknown maker, Road between Ypres and Poelcappelle, Belgium (U.S. Signal Corps) — Road between Ypres and Poelcappelle, Belgium (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1917–1918

unknown maker, What was once / Poelcappelle, Belgium (U.S. Signal Corps) — What was once / Poelcappelle, Belgium (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1917–1918

unknown maker, Cloth Hall, Ypres (U.S. Signal Corps) — Cloth Hall, Ypres (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1917–1918

unknown maker, German Tank, captured by 112th Inf. Bouillonville Meurthe et Morelles, Oct. 29, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps) — German Tank, captured by 112th Inf. Bouillonville Meurthe et Morelles, Oct. 29, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1918

unknown maker, Foret d'Argonne. Nov. 17, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps) — Foret d'Argonne. Nov. 17, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1918

unknown maker, Officers directing fire region of Fismes, Aug. 29, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps) — Officers directing fire region of Fismes, Aug. 29, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1918

unknown maker, Balloon Windlass 16th Balloon Co. 28th Div. Limey, meurth et Morelle / Oct. 25, 1918 — Balloon Windlass 16th Balloon Co. 28th Div. Limey, meurth et Morelle / Oct. 25, 1918

unknown maker

1918

unknown maker, 112th Field Hospital 28th Div. Cohan /Aug. 14, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps) — 112th Field Hospital 28th Div. Cohan /Aug. 14, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1918

unknown maker, Battery c 2nd Battalion 55th Coast Artillery / 28th Div., Region of Fismes (U.S. Signal Corps) — Battery c 2nd Battalion 55th Coast Artillery / 28th Div., Region of Fismes (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1917–1918

unknown maker, Boureuilles, Sept. 28, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps) — Boureuilles, Sept. 28, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1918

unknown maker, Church at Oostniewkerke, Belgium (U.S. Signal Corps) — Church at Oostniewkerke, Belgium (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1917–1918

unknown maker, same as 24935 (U.S. Signal Corps) — same as 24935 (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1917–1918

unknown maker, Road between Disselghem and Waereghem (U.S. Signal Corps) — Road between Disselghem and Waereghem (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1917–1918

unknown maker, [...]These men are using gas equipment while receiving instructions from observer. Batt. A 108th Field Artillery (U.S. Signal Corps) — [...]These men are using gas equipment while receiving instructions from observer. Batt. A 108th Field Artillery (U.S. Signal Corps)

unknown maker

1917–1918

Events

March 4, 2010

Social

Spring @ the Spencer

5:30–7:00PM

Gallery 317 Central Court

March 11, 2010

Talk

One of Ours by Willa Cather

6:00–7:00PM

Gallery 407

March 11, 2010

Screening

A Very Long Engagement

7:00–9:00PM

309 Auditorium

March 25, 2010

Talk

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

6:00–7:00PM

Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St

March 25, 2010

Screening

All Quiet on the Western Front

7:00–9:00PM

Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St

March 26, 2010

Talk

The Long Shadow of the “Great War”

10:00–11:30AM

Gallery 407

March 29, 2010

Talk

Machine in a Void: World War I and the Graphic Arts

2:00–4:00PM

Gallery 407

April 8, 2010

Talk

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

6:00–7:00PM

Gallery 407

April 8, 2010

Screening

The Sun Also Rises

7:00–9:00PM

309 Auditorium

April 10, 2010

Workshop

War of the Worlds: Pencil V. Print

10:30AM–12:30PM

Gallery 317 Central Court

April 10, 2010

Workshop

War of the Worlds: Pencil V. Print

1:30–3:30PM

Gallery 317 Central Court

April 22, 2010

Talk

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

6:00–7:00PM

Gallery 401

April 22, 2010

Screening

Mrs. Dalloway

7:00–9:00PM

309 Auditorium

May 1, 2010

Activity

Spring Arts & Culture Festival

1:00–4:00PM

Front Lawn, Gallery 317 Central Court

May 13, 2010

Talk

Senior Curator Steve Goddard on Machine in a Void: World War I & the Graphic Arts

12:00–1:00PM

Gallery 404

Resources

Audio

Didactic – Art Minute

Episode 211 Mar-2010, Rachel Voorhies, Department of Prints and Drawings Intern I’m David Cateforis with another Art Minute from the Spencer Museum of Art. The exhibition Machine in a Void: World War I and the Graphic Arts presents nearly 200 works of graphic art created primarily during World War I or shortly after. Many of the artists featured were themselves soldiers, and their personal experiences of the war informed their work. The images they produced range from the documentary to the dissenting. Exemplary of the former are French artist Maxime Maufra’s lithographs of war-blasted landscapes, and exemplary of the latter, German artist George Grosz’s portfolio of satirical anti-war prints. At the heart of the exhibition are 38 etchings by Belgian artist Henri de Groux, made as proofs and trial prints in preparation for the portfolio Le Visage de la Victoire, or The Face of Victory. In his introduction to this portfolio, de Groux wrote that the war was an “undeniable and colossal absurdity, like a machine functioning in a void.” Machine in a Void is on view until May 23 in the Kress and South Balcony Galleries. With thanks to Rachel Voorhies for her text, from the Spencer Museum of Art, I’m David Cateforis.

Documents

Media Release

Exhibition Pamphlet

Exhibition images

Works of art

Events

Resources

Audio

Documents

Gallery Hours

Stay up to date on our latest events and exhibitions.

Machine in a Void: World War I & the Graphic Arts

Exhibition Overview

Exhibition images

Works of art

Events

Resources

Audio

Documents

Museum Newsletter

Stay up to date on our latest events and exhibitions.