NMMC
Temporary Exhibitions of

The National Museum of the Marine Corps


Devil Dog

Reproduction Available - RequestAPrint
Devil Dog
Samuel Johnson Woolf
(1880-1948)
Acquisition Number: 2012.1155.1
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Status: Reproduction Available - Click Here

The U.S. Marine Corps purchased this portrait in 1924. Samuel J. Woolf captures a Marine taking a break in a bombed out building, looking slightly to the right, gazing at an unseen figure. Woolf’s focus is on the strength of his hands and the tenseness of his facial features. His posture indicates he is aware of his surroundings and keeping his rifle and blanket close. Woolf does not sentimentalize the scene; he had been living and traveling with Marines and soldiers since his arrival in France in1917. Woolf knew well the exhaustion and stress this Marine was experiencing.