US Marines

Artist Julian Richard Ashton (Australian, 1913 - 2001)

Date1943

Object number00004380

NamePainting

MediumOil on wooden panel

DimensionsOverall: 402 x 542 x 25 mm, 1.3 kg

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionAmerican Marines are depicted disembarking from an amphibious landing craft on to a beach. The painting was produced on the wooden panel of a packing case by the artist Ashton, who had been appointed as an official war artist in 1942.HistoryArtists were appointed to record the experiences of servicemen in war and usually held positions of office and authority in the unit. Australia's history of appointing official war artists started in World War I when the artist Will Dyson petitioned the government to allow him access to paint the western front. His posting was supported by the commissioning of a number of artists. During World War II the Australian War Memorial, Army, Navy and the Air Force all appointed artists to record the conflict. This tradition still continues today.SignificanceThis painting was made by an Australian war time artist. It is representative of the interaction between American and Australian troops in World War II.