Belle Maison Store
After the Silence – WWI Trench Art (1918)
Description
This 75mm artillery shell, marked 1918, was transformed into trench art during or just after the final year of World War I. Its smooth, polished surface contrasts with the chaos of its past — a reflection of the stillness that followed the Armistice and the quiet reckoning that came after.
Though the artist’s identity is unknown, the care taken to clean, smooth, and repurpose this shell suggests reverence. Whether it was created by a soldier during those final months or by someone reflecting on what had passed, it serves as a timeless tribute — understated and enduring.
About Trench Art
Trench art refers to objects made by soldiers, prisoners of war, and civilians using leftover battlefield materials. From shell casings to bullets, these items were shaped into symbols of remembrance and resilience. Some were ornate; others, like this piece, speak volumes through simplicity.
Every shell tells a story. This one whispers.
Dimensions: 14" x 4"