Smithsonian American Art Museum
NATIONAL-MILITARY-HOME-OHIO
Unidentified · ca. 1900
An unknown artist in the National Military Home in Dayton, Ohio, created this piece. The facility, established in the 1860s, housed several thousand military veterans, who occupied their time with painting and wood carving. The figure appears to be Middle Eastern. The phrase on his turban, Alah Il Alah (correctly spelled Allah Il Allah), meaning “God is God,” is from a Muslim prayer, but this gives us no clue as to why the artist chose this image.
🔒
Order museum-quality prints
Sign in to order prints, canvas, and more of this work. Browsing and full-resolution downloads stay free.
