| u0003_0004200_0000044 |
| Title | They Are Giving All |
| Creator | Harvey Dunn |
| Date | 1918 |
| Format | 56 x 36 in |
| Description | Harvey Dunn’s poster “They Are Giving All” is a large and vibrant appeal to American citizens to conserve and donate wheat for the war effort. Despite referencing hardships, the image offers a rather romanticized view of war by depicting a large platoon heroically charging in unison despite difficult terrain and gunfire. Dunn’s poster can be viewed as an example of tonalism, an artistic style popularized by American artists in which atmosphere is designed to create a pervasive mood. Indeed one of the more arresting features of the poster is the feathery sky which becomes increasingly dark and ominous as the battlefield approaches. This visual transition from light to dark sets the stage for dramatic acts of bravery as the soldiers move resolutely as one toward the danger with bayonets raised. The darkness of the faces provides visual evidence of grit and strength, and without clearly identifiable facial features, the viewer is invited to imagine themselves or a loved one in the image. The poster is clearly meant to instill patriotic pride and confidence in a successful outcome; however, as the bold red text reveals, these reactions are also dependent on guilt. Indeed, if these brave men are giving such impressive effort for the war, you can at the very least send wheat, right? |
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