American Women Artists in Wartime, 1776–2010

For generations, men have left their homes and families to defend their country while their wives, mothers and daughters remained safely at home, outwardly unaffected. A closer examination reveals that women have always been directly impacted by war. In the last few years, they have actively participated on the front lines.
This book tells the story of the women who documented the impact of war on their lives through their art. It includes works by professional artists and photographers, combat artists, ordinary women who documented their military experiences, and women who worked in a variety of types of needlework. Taken together, these images explore the female consciousness in wartime.

Paula E. Calvin is an art historian and a board member of the National Docent Symposium Council. She was previously an urban planner and a board member of Women’s Transportation Seminars.
Deborah A. Deacon is an art historian and retired U.S. Navy commander who resides in Arizona. She has published numerous articles and books on women artists and war, depictions of military women in film and comics, and Japanese anime and manga.

Paula E. Calvin and Deborah A. Deacon
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 222
Bibliographic Info: 52 photos (15 in color), appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2011
pISBN: 978-0-7864-4987-3
eISBN: 978-0-7864-8675-5
Imprint: McFarland

Preface      1
Introduction: War through a Woman’s Eyes      3

1. The War for American Independence: The Real Betsy Ross      19
2. The Civil War Era: Heroes and Widows      34
3. American Imperialism and the Way West      55

Between pages 74 and 75 are 8 color plates containing 15 photographs

4. World War I: The New Woman and the Red, White and Blue      75
5. World War II: On the Front Lines      96
6. The Cold War and Beyond      124
7. Modern Times: The Soldier and Her Art      152

Epilogue: And the War Goes On      174
Appendix A: Women Artists Participating in Military Art Programs      183
Appendix B: Caps for Soldiers Knit Pattern      186
Chapter Notes      187
Bibliography      201
Index      209