A Belleau Farm

This ink drawing by J. André Smith documents a farm at Belleau, France during World War I, likely following the Battle of Belleau Wood in June 1918. The composition centers on a damaged stone farmhouse with a distinctive round tower, its roof partially destroyed. Surrounding structures show severe deterioration—collapsed walls, exposed interiors, and scattered debris across the landscape. Smith's linear hatching technique creates depth and shadow, emphasizing the structural devastation while maintaining architectural clarity. The work served as a visual record for the U.S. War Department, capturing the material cost of military conflict on civilian infrastructure and rural communities in the contested regions of France.