In honor of Veterans Day, we’re sharing a selection from the Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection at the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library. Ben Brown, born Ben Hurwitz in the Bronx in 1941, had an early interest in drawing and his talent was soon recognized. He was part of the first class of students to graduate from the newly established High School of Music and Art in Manhattan.
After studying art at the University of Iowa, Hurwitz enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942. His Cannon Company — attached to the Fifth Army, 351st Regiment, 88th Infantry Division (the “Blue Devils”), First Battalion — was shipped to North Africa in 1943. During his two years in North Africa and Italy, Hurwitz drew and painted throughout a lengthy campaign that would eventually lead to the liberation of Rome in June 1944. His evocative drawings depict a range of locations and activities. Many of the drawings also capture a sense of physical and emotional fatigue among the soldiers.
Hurwitz, who changed his name to “Ben Brown” after the war, continued to work as an artist the rest of his life, as a painter, cartoonist, and photographer.
All drawings in this blog post are from the Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection, The New York Historical (PR 274).
Thank you to all the veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, and for the sacrifices you and your families have made.
Nina Nazionale is the Patricia D. Klingenstein Library's Director of Curatorial Affairs and Research.
Soldiers trying to keep warm, North Africa, December 1943. Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection. The New York Historical.
The artist's sketchbook. Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection. The New York Historical.
Soldier at rest,1944. Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection. The New York Historical.
Soldiers at rest and surveilling, 1944. Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection. The New York Historical.
Soldiers in battle, 1944. Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection. The New York Historical.
Soldiers at rest, North Africa, December 1943. Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection. The New York Historical.
Soldier in doorway, 1944. Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection. The New York Historical.
Soldiers laying wire and in evening rest, 1944. Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection. The New York Historical.
Soldier at rest, 1944. Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection. The New York Historical.
Neri, Italy, 1944. Ben Brown World War II Drawings Collection. The New York Historical.
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