Artwork

Object number2013.114.4

Attributed to Everett Meade Scott Jr. (born 1892)

Date1917

MediumBrass, paint, canvas

Credit LineMuseum Purchase; Partial gift of Linda Barrett

DescriptionMetal 75 mm shell casing made into trench art. Hammered design around the outside with text. Above the text there is a cross symbol (Cross of Lorraine). Background consists of many dots that are outlined in white paint. Rectangular blocked design around the bottom.Dimensions13.875 x 3.375 in. (35.2 x 8.6 cm)
Inscriptions"1914 / LORRAINE / 1918 / TOUL"; above the 1914 is a cross symbol (Cross of Lorraine).
Historical NotesThis piece of trench art was possibly made by Everett Meade Scott, Jr. during World War I. Trench art was popular during World War I. Soldiers made art out of shell casings, helmets and other items found on the battlefield. Everett Meade Scott, Jr. was a veteran of World War I serving as a Corporal with the 543rd Engineers. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1892 and attended Pittsburgh schools up to the seventh grade. Scott’s parents Everett, Sr., and Louisa were born in Virginia and migrated to Pittsburgh sometime in the late 19th century. His father was a furniture maker, grocer, and laborer. He owned a store called Scott & Holmes that sold everything from live poultry, fish and oysters, butter and eggs, and hard and soft shell crabs. Part of a collection related to Everett Mead Scott/Holmes family. A noted family in Pittsburgh’s African American community included local business owners, legal scholars, and professional Jazz musicians. Relatives and descendants of the family include legal scholar Derrick Bell, and Jazz pianist Charles Bell.

Subjects

Terms

On View

Not on view