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WWI

Peace Conference

by Stuyvessant Van Veen

Van Veen’s Peace Conference is a graphic criticism of the carnage and death generated by World War I- and the apparent inability of world or military leaders to control it. 

A reference to the Versailles conference, Van Veen’s painting shows arguing politicians, oblivious to both the rivers of blood flooding their meeting hall and the abstracted images of wartime horrors looming over their heads. 

This painting contains many symbols that help explain the artist’s response to war.  Can you figure out what some of these symbols mean?

 

Learn more about this artist:

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Stuyvessant Van Veen, Peace Conference

Stuyvesant Van Veen, Peace Conference, 1932.  Ink and watercolor on paper, 19 x 29 in.

Museum Purchase, Derby Fund, from the Philip J. and Suzanne Schiller Collection of American Social Commentary Art 1930-1970

Within WWI...
Stuyvessant Van Veen

WWI The Rise of Fascism Spanish Civil War
WWII Cold War Vietnam War
Werner Drews
James Guy
Edward Hagedorn
Rockwell Kent
Joseph Leboit
John McClellan
Miriam McKinnie Hofmeier
Leo Meissner
Bernard Perlin
Anton Refreiger
Philip Reisman
David Robbins
Ben Shahn
Harry Sternberg
Stuyvesant Van Veen


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