World War I Album | Edward Steichen's World War I Years

UNTITLED ALBUM OF WORLD WAR I PHOTOGRAPHS, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate

All photographs taken by the Photographic Section, U.S. Air Service, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), 1918/19
Album assembled by Major Edward J. Steichen, A.S.A. (American, born Luxembourg, 1879–1973) in 1919

83 gelatin silver prints
Gift of William Kistler, 1977.678–760

Plate titles are based on Steichen’s own written captions of the photographs. More detailed inscription information and research on the photographs can be found by clicking on the album pages. For a complete list of the album plates, click here.

The map below shows the sites featured in the album, places Steichen was stationed while serving in the AEF, and the shifting Western Front during the last months of the war.

This map illustrates the approximate location of sites featured in the album, places where Steichen was stationed while serving in the AEF, and the shifting Western Front during the last months of the war. Numbered locations correspond to plate numbers in the album.

Click to enlarge the map

Figure 1. Cover of untitled album of World War I photographs, 1919

About the Album

by Ariel Pate Images: 3

Plate 2. Untitled [Vauquois], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

2. Untitled [Vauquois], 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 3. Ruins of Apremont (St. Mihiel Sector), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

3. Ruins of Apremont (St. Mihiel Sector), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 4. East of Avocourt (Argonne), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

4. East of Avocourt (Argonne), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 5. Vertical photograph, Nomeny, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

5. Vertical photograph from 9,000 feet showing ruined town of Nomeny (all roofs shot in), August 25, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 6. German Frontline Trenches (St. Mihiel Sector), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

6. German Frontline Trenches (St. Mihiel Sector) dark zig-zag line, trenches and white edge to trench is excavated earth. (note trenches running through the woods), August 25, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 1

Plate 7. In Château Thierry Sector, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

7. In Château Thierry Sector showing seven bridges destroyed by retreating enemy forces, September 7, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 8. U.S. bombing airplane, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

8. U.S. bombing airplane above clouds, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 1

Plate 9. U.S. bombing airplane, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

9. U.S. bombing airplane over enemy territory, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 10. Ruins of Forges (Argonne), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

10. Ruins of Forges. (Argonne), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 11. Moulins-lès-Metz, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

11. Moulins-lès-Metz. (Ideal type military aerial photo taken from 18,000 ft.), 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 1

Plate 12. Enlargement of preceding plate, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

12. Enlargement of small white square on preceding plate, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 13. Fismes (Château Thierry Sector), oblique photo, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

13. Fismes. (Château Thierry Sector) oblique photo, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 14. Fismes, vertical photos [Château Thierry Sector], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

14. Fismes (vertical photos) compare with preceding oblique photo of same town and note how much better the effect of artillery fire is shown by this vertical photograph practically not a roof left in the town, August 21, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 15. Camps des Romains (St. Mihiel), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

15. Camps des Romains (St. Mihiel), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 16. Fort Alvensleben (near Metz), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

16. Fort Alvensleben (near Metz), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 17. Mine Craters Combres Hill, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

17. Mine Craters Combres Hill. (scene of some of bitterest fighting of the war an active sector for four years), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 18. St. Mihiel (winter), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

18. St. Mihiel (winter) particularly fine example oblique aerial photograph, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 19. Untitled, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

19. Untitled, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 20. Sedan, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

20. Sedan, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 21. Sedan, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

21. Sedan, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 22. Set of consecutive photographs [Germany], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

22. Set of consecutive photographs to form a map (German area occupied by U.S. troops since armistice) (Rhine or Moselle River?), February 10, 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 2

Plate 23. Same as preceding plate [Germany], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

23. Same as preceding plate, February 10, 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 1

Plate 24. A photographic map, forest of Apremont [St. Mihiel Sector], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

24. A photographic map of roads and trench system in the forest of Apremont, February 11, 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 1

Plate 25. Montsec [St. Mihiel Sector], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

25. Montsec – (strongly fortified enemy position taken by the American troops during the St. Mihiel offensive), May 4, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 26. Ruins of Malancourt (Argonne Sector), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

26. Ruins of Malancourt (Argonne Sector), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 27. Concrete landing platform, Puxieux, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

27. Concrete landing platform for airplanes at Puxieux (each strip about 50 ft. wide by 250 ft. long) crescent shape mass was formed by the pile of broken concrete when the platform was removed, altitude 15,000 ft., August 23, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 28. Ruins of Montfaucon (Argonne Sector), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

28. Ruins of Montfaucon (Argonne Sector), October 10, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 29. Montfaucon [Argonne Sector], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

29. Montfaucon, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 30. Montfaucon (winter) [Argonne Sector], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

30. Montfaucon (winter), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 31. Bouresches wood (Château Thierry Sector), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

31. Bouresches wood (Château Thierry Sector.) effect of artillery bombardment on woods, smoke of exploding shells, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 32. Untitled [Vaux], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

32. Untitled [Vaux], June 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 2

Plate 33. Vaux before American attack, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

33. Town of Vaux. (near Château Thierry) June 30 day before American attack, June 30, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 3

Plate 34. Untitled [Vaux], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

34. Untitled [Vaux], 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 35. Vaux after German retreat, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

35. Town of Vaux after German retreat, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 36. Château Thierry, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

36. Château Thierry, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 37. Vauquois mine Craters (Argonne Sector), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

37. Vauquois mine Craters. (Argonne Sector) (over 200 ft. in diameter), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 38. Untitled [Montmedy], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

38. Untitled [Montmedy], 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 39. Untitled [Montmedy], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

39. Untitled [Montmedy], 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 40. Bomb dropped from airplane, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

40. Bomb dropped from airplane, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 41. Incendiary bombs, exploding antiaircraft shells, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

41. White trailers are trajectories of incendiary bombs, numerous black puffs are exploding antiaircraft shells, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 42. Verdun, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

42. Verdun, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 43. Verdun, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

43. Verdun, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 44. Fort Vaux (near Verdun), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

44. Fort Vaux (near Verdun), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 45. Fort Douaumont (near Verdun), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

45. Fort Douaumont (near Verdun), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 1

Plate 46. Untitled, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

46. Untitled, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 47. American Observation Airplane, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

47. American Observation Airplane above clouds. 12,000 ft., 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 1

Plate 48. French Pursuit or Combat Plane, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

48. French Pursuit or Combat Plane above clouds, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 49. Untitled [Otho Cushing drawing], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

49. Untitled, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 2

Plate 50. Frontline trenches (Apremont), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

50. Frontline trenches (Apremont), May 15, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 51. Interpretation of preceding picture [Apremont], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

51. Detailed interpretation of preceding picture, May 15, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 52. Gercourt-et-Drillancourt (Argonne), from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

52. Gercourt-et-Drillancourt (Argonne), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 53. Photography from 20,000 ft., from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

53. Photography from 20,000 ft. small specks on road are troops. The number of troops in this particular movement was calculated exactly from this set of photographs. (The weather was dull when picture was taken and troops did not see airplane, otherwise an effort would have been made to conceal them), 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 54. Enlarged detail of preceding plate, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

54. Enlarged detail of road on preceding plate, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 55. Pagny rail head, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

55. Photo Pagny rail head (15,000 ft.) note detail in rail yards, August 15, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 56. Captured enemy photograph, Colombey-les-Belles, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

56. Copy of captured enemy photograph of Colombey-les-Belles—advanced American Air Service supply base, September 25, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 57. German photograph, Seicheprey, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

57. Copy of German photograph they prepared for their attack on the Americans at Seicheprey, April 18, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 58. Stages of a new German airdrome [Giraumont], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

58. Series of Photographs showing progressive stages of a new German airdrome, June 30/August 14, 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 59. Untitled [Mars-la-Tour], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

59. Untitled [Mars-la-Tour], August 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 60. Progressive destruction of a farm, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

60. Progressive destruction by artillery fire of a farm occupied and fortified by the enemy, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 61. Enemy gun position, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

61. White spots indicate an enemy gun position, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 62. Same position as preceding, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

62. Same position as preceding picture after exceptionally well regulated artillery fire, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 63. Cathedral at Tours, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

63. Cathedral at Tours. (from 200 ft. altitude), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 64. Map of Tours, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

64. Map of Tours. (comprised of 40 different photographs), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 65. Untitled [Ourches], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

65. Untitled [Ourches], 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 66. Tours Aviation School, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

66. Tours. Aviation School, 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 67. American Embarkation Camp, Bordeaux, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

67. American Embarkation Camp—Bordeaux, February 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 68. Untitled [Souge], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

68. Untitled [Souge], 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 69. U.S. Motor overhaul park, Dijon, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

69. U.S. Motor overhaul park near Dijon, small dots are motor cars and trucks in repair, February 12, 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 70. Untitled [Souge], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

70. Untitled [Souge], February 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 71. Untitled [Saint-Jean-de-Mont], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

71. Untitled [Saint-Jean-de-Monts], January 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 72. Untitled [Brest], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

72. Untitled [Brest], December 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 73. Untitled [Brest], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

73. Untitled [Brest], December 1918

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 74. 10,000 Beds [Souge], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

74. 10,000 Beds, January 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 75. Untitled [Port of Bordeaux], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

75. Untitled [Port of Bordeaux], February 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 76. Untitled [Meucon], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

76. Untitled [Meucon], 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 77. American advance supply depot, Dijon, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

77. Largest American advance supply depot near Dijon. This was formerly a great marsh. (all the tracks and warehouses built by the A.E.F.), 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 78. Large Supply Center near Tours, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

78. Large Supply and Production Center, near Tours, 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 79. Untitled [General John J. Pershing], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

79. Untitled [General John J. Pershing], 1918/19

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 80. Untitled [Fort Alexander, Koblenz], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

80. Untitled [Fort Alexander, Koblenz], March 11, 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 81. Untitled [Burg Maus on Rhine], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

81. Untitled [Burg Maus on Rhine], March 11, 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 82. Untitled [Marksburg Castle], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

82. Untitled [Marksburg Castle], March 11, 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 83. Untitled [Niederspay], from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

83. Untitled [Niederspay], March 12, 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0

Plate 84. The Rhine, from an album of World War I aerial photography assembled by Edward Steichen, in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

84. The Rhine, March 12, 1919

by Ariel Pate Images: 0