The Germans Arrive

The Germans Arrive

George Bellows

1918

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This black-and-white print shows a chaotic scene of soldiers in helmets dragging a wounded man. Other figures—some in long coats, others in tattered clothes—stand or crouch around them, their faces blurred with emotion. The ground is muddy, and buildings loom in the dark background, their details lost in shadow. The artist used thick, rough lines to show the urgency of the moment, making the scene feel urgent and raw. The title hints this is about a real historical event, not just a made-up drama. Want to learn more? Check out lithography to see how this print was made.

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