The artwork titled “The US Army Trades” was created by Norman Rockwell, a prominent American painter and illustrator, in the year 1919. This oil on canvas piece measures 75 by 49.5 centimeters and falls within the Regionalism movement, a genre painting that vividly captures elements of American life. Currently, it is held in a private collection.
In the artwork, a soldier is depicted engaged meticulously in his technical work. Positioned at a makeshift desk, he is surrounded by an array of tools and equipment pertinent to communication, such as a field telephone, wires, and a Morse code device. The soldier, clad in a military uniform and wearing a headset, appears focused on his task, showing the importance of various roles, even off the battlefield, during that era. In the background, a military backpack and helmet reinforce the connection to service and duty.
Through keen attention to detail, Norman Rockwell has imbued this scene with a sense of purpose and solemnity, which reflects the commitment of military personnel in their diverse capacities.
