Source: WPA Photograph Collection, YMCA Archives, Photo 71F, University of Minnesota.

From Pursuit of an "unparalleled opportunity": American YMCA and prisoner of war diplomacy among the Central Power nations during World War I, 1914-1923 by Kenneth Steuer

Subjects
  • American: 1900-present
Citable Link
  • Two Russian prisoners of war show their paintings to an unidentified YMCA secretary during a visit to an unidentified German prison camp. Angels appearing from heaven on the battlefield are the themes of both paintings on the easel. The YMCA provided art supplies to prisoners to encourage them to paint. POW's often displayed their art work at POW exhibitions and sold their art in neutral countries to earn some money. Source: WPA Photograph Collection, YMCA Archives, Photo 71F, University of Minnesota.