Charles Bittinger (June 27, 1879 – December 18, 1970) was an American artist who explored the use of scientific techniques for artistic purposes. During World War I, he also played a prominent role in the development of naval camouflage.
In 1946, he was one of the artists invited by the U.S. Navy to witness and making paintings of the first atomic explosions at the Bikini Atoll, the results of which are now online at the U.S. Naval Historical Center website.
The First Bomb at Bikini by Charles Bittinger, 1946. Accession #: 95-129-C, Naval History and Heritage Command. Captured at the peak of formation, this painting illustrates the classic mushroom cloud shape. The pink color of the cloud is due to the oxidation of nitrogen caused by high heat and radiation from the explosion. The rapidly cooling fireball is the cause of the red glow seen deep within the cloud. The blast wave created the massive waves and steam that engulfed the target fleet at the bottom.Painting, Oil on Canvas Board; by Charles Bittinger; 1946; Unframed Dimensions 12H X 16W
Painted from the perspective of Bikini Island, this study shows the cloud towering over the ships of the target fleet. Although Bittinger was at the test, he was not on the island as no one was allowed within five miles of the atoll during the blast.Entitled “Atomic Bomb Mushroom Cloud,” this 1946 oil painting from Charles Bittinger features the ABLE shot with its cloud hanging above the target ships and small islands. As with all nuclear weapons, it quickly released a massive amount of heat and energy. It took only a minute for ABLE’s cloud to reach a height of 40,000 feet and the top to spread out a whopping 2 miles.Able Bomb by Charles Bittinger, 1946. Accession #: 95-129-E, Naval History and Heritage Command. The cap of the cloud separated from the stem as the reaction ended and the vapor drifted off and merged with other clouds in the sky.Painting, Oil on Canvas Board; by Charles Bittinger; 1946; Unframed Dimensions 16H X 12W
After the convection currents caused by the blast disrupted the winds in the upper atmosphere, the ABLE cloud lasted for 20 minutes before the winds returned to tug and pull it apart. As the debris fell to sea, the colors began to change to that of a normal cloud.Oil on Canvas; by Charles Bittinger; 1946; Framed Dimensions 31H X 37W
The cloud at its peak, showing the water column and the familiar cauliflower-shaped cloud of water vapor. Millions of gallons of water hung in the atmosphere, where they mixed with fission particles and became highly radioactive.
Painting, Oil on Canvas; by Charles Bittinger; 1946; Framed Dimensions 31H X 37W
The cloud at its peak, showing the water column and the familiar cauliflower-shaped cloud of water vapor. Millions of gallons of water hung in the atmosphere, where they mixed with fission particles and became highly radioactive.Late Stage of Baker by Charles Bittinger, 1946. . A dramatic view of the collapsing cloud raining millions of gallons of radioactive water over the target fleet, throughly contaminating both the warships and the lagoon. For several hours after the explosion a fine mist rained down over the area.Painting, Oil on Canvas; by Charles Bittinger; 1946; Framed Dimensions 30H X 36W
As the fireball rises, it changes shape from a sphere to a toroid--a donut shape--and begins to spread out into vapor as it cools, producing the familiar-looking mushroom cap of the cloud. The darker-colored stem is composed of surface material and water vapor drawn upward by the fireball.Operation Crossroads conducted at Bikini Atoll in 1946Operation Crossroads conducted at Bikini Atoll in 1946
Charles Bittinger (June 27, 1879 – December 18, 1970) was an American artist who explored the use of scientific techniques for artistic purposes. During World War I, he also played a prominent role in the development of naval camouflage.
