Headquarters 49th Fighter Group, New Guinea

Artist Barse Miller (1904 - 1973)

Date1943

MediumWatercolor on paper

Dimensions15 1/2 x 22 in. (39.4 x 55.9 cm)
Framed (Frame is gold, wired, glazed): 24 1/4 x 30 x 3 in. (61.6 x 76.2 x 7.6 cm)

ClassificationsPainting

Credit LineThe Sally and David Martin Collection

Object number2026.036

DescriptionDuring World War II, California artist Barse Miller was hired by Life magazine to paint watercolors depicting war-related activities on the West Coast. He was provided with military clothing and ID that allowed him access to military bases and other operations.

That assignment transitioned into him serving in the U.S. Army as Chief of the Combat Art division that officially recorded World War II operations in the Pacific Theater. His assignments were under General Douglas MacArthur. Miller painted this watercolor at one of the U.S. military camps in New Guinea, where he spent some time.

After exhibiting this watercolor at a museum, the Martins received – from a family member of a WWII veteran – the following written account of the exact place pictured in this Miller watercolor. It reads:

“Here is shown a section of the encampment. Mildewed and lichen-covered pyramidals are built up on pilings off the damp alluvial loam by the river. The offices and important communication buildings are built atop the steep embankment left standing by some previous flood stage of the river. All the camp is hidden from air observation by tall jungle trees. Gradually, as the months passed since the establishment of the 49th Fighter Group Headquarters, the jungle vines and undergrowth were cut back. Now the place makes a cool and comfortable haven for the men who spend long hot days on the dusty plains and air strips at Dobodura.”

– Gordon McClelland, curator

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