Brotherhood in the Time of Need

Sam Doyle (American)

Brotherhood in the Time of Need. 1971.
House Paint on Canvas Board.
28 1/2″ x 24″ x 3/4″.
Courtesy of the Penn School Collection, Penn Center National Historic Landmark District, St. Helena Island, South Carolina.

This intimate portrait of a white soldier comforting his injured black compatriot illustrates Doyle’s vision of racial unity in the midst of battle. Themes of brotherhood and solidarity across racial lines are prevalent in Doyle’s many works portraying the suffering and sacrifice of comrades in times of war. This subject was highly personal for Doyle, as he had two brothers who were killed defending the United States during the first two World Wars.

Han Zaw ‘15