1917: The Vigil – WWI Trench Art

A powerful relic of World War I, this 75mm French artillery shell was transformed by hand into a work of art in the trenches of war. Dated 1917, it stands as a solemn and striking example of trench art—an artform born not from peace, but from perseverance.

Crafted by a soldier amid the chaos of war, this piece was made from a spent shell casing and adorned with intricate motifs that speak to moments of reflection and resilience. The detailed etching, still visible over a century later, captures the quiet dignity of those who endured the unimaginable.

Note: This piece is the companion to “The Vigil – WWI Trench Art (1917),” though it is sold individually. Found together but worked separately by hand, they reflect a shared moment of intention from the same soldier or pair of soldiers—each channeling stillness, memory, and hope through metalwork.

About Trench Art
Trench art refers to decorative objects created by soldiers, prisoners of war, and civilians using materials from the battlefield—most commonly shell casings, bullets, or shrapnel. During World War I, these items were often fashioned during moments of stillness, offering a brief escape from the brutality of combat.

Each piece carries not just artistic merit but emotional weight, serving as both a coping mechanism and a form of storytelling. These artifacts are as unique as the hands that made them—individual expressions of humanity carved into the remnants of war.

This piece, titled “1917: The Vigil – WWI Trench Art,” is a timeless reminder of endurance, reflection, and the art of survival.

Dimensions: 14" x 4"