(Dayton, Ohio, 1910 - 1995, Akron, Ohio)
May, 1947
Oil on fiberboard
24 x 40 in. (61.0 x 101.6 cm)
Collection of the Akron Art Museum
Gift of Miss Jean Dougherty
1996.38
The Ardennes, a forested region encompassing sections of France, Belgium and Luxembourg, was the site of important battles during both world wars. In this painting, which was in the artist's highly acclaimed first New York solo show, Gleitsmann depicts the area as dark and forbidding. Prominently featured are a church and its adjoining cemetery. A cross atop the church spire offers some hope in this somber scene.