| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART02397 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | sheet: 54.8 x 43.9 cm; image: 54.2 x 43.9 cm |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | pencil and wash on paper |
| Place made | France |
| Date made | January 1917 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Writing to catch the home mail
Description
Depicts two soldiers from the 4th Australian Division sitting near billets writing letters in the Somme during winter 1917. One is wearing a greatcoat and scarf. Will Dyson was the first Australian official war artist to visit the front during the First World War, travelling to France in December 1916, remaining there until May 1917, making records of the Australian involvement in the war. He was formally appointed as an official war artist, attached to the AIF, in May 1917, working in France and London throughout the war. His commission was terminated in March 1920.