Gun Crew Loading a 5-inch 38 Caliber Gun

McClelland Barclay · 1940

Why it's great

A sailor strains to load a big gun aboard a navy ship in 1940 in a powerful, poster-like painting. McClelland Barclay, an American illustrator who joined the US Navy as an artist, painted the sailors at work.

🏛️ Part of history

World War II (1939–1945) — A sailor strains to load a big gun aboard a navy ship in 1940 in a powerful, poster-like painting.

Where to see it

📍 Location not recordedWe couldn't confirm where it hangs today. Museums sometimes move or lend paintings, so check the museum's website before you travel.

Hang it on your wall

⬇ Hi-res download 1,265 × 1,280 px · 1.6 megapixels This is the largest scan on Wikimedia Commons, which is fairly small for a big print. The museum that owns it may offer a larger one. File page & license ↗

Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:

💵 Budget Etsy ↗ Posters and simple prints from small sellers, usually the lowest prices. 🖼️ Mid-range Fine Art America ↗ Good printing on paper, canvas or metal, made to order, with framing options. 🏛️ High-end Meisterdrucke ↗ Museum-grade giclée prints on archival paper or canvas, the closest to the real thing.

These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.

About the artist

McClelland Barclay

1891–1943 · born in St. Louis

McClelland Barclay was an American illustrator born in St. Louis in 1891. He became famous for his magazine and poster art, then joined the US Navy as an artist in World War II. He disappeared at sea in 1943 when his ship was sunk.