| Place | Oceania: New Guinea1, Aitape |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART28170.002 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | sheet: 18 x 24 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | recto: pen and ink, lithographic crayon over pencil on paper adhered to backing sheet verso: lithographic crayon over pencil on paper adhered to backing sheet |
| Maker |
Curtis, R Emerson |
| Place made | New Guinea1: Aitape |
| Date made | 1943 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright |
recto: Caught off-guard verso: More profiles...
Description
One of three sheets from a folio entitled by the artist ' On the Camouflage Trail with Australian and American Forces in New Guinea 1943-44'. The artist attached sketches executed on lined paper from government issue notebooks and orderly room paper to both sides of these folio sheets with notes.
On this sheet there are 3 small profiles of men attached lower left, top centre and lower right on the recto. The only identified profile is positioned centre top of the folio sheet and inscribed ' Andre Scheyer, Aitape'. A further 3 small male profiles are attached to the verso of this sheet positioned lower left, top centre and lower right.
For three years (1942-1945) prior to his appointment as an official war artist Curtis worked with the Department of Home Security as a Camouflage Officer. In 1943 he was accredited for service with RAAF as Officer in Charge, Camouflage, New Guinea and led the establishment of a research centre in the tropics. This made Curtis the Department's most senior field officer at the time. The Director of the Camouflage Section, W.J. Dakin, praised Curtis for his leadership in what where often difficult conditions and commented on his drive, cheerful personality and ability to relate to men of all ranks.