In this work, American artist Allen Saalburg illustrates a tattered flag continuing to wave while an American Naval ship sinks after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In a subtle exercise of his artistic license, Saalburg respectfully places the flag at half mast to honor the 2,400 American Servicemen who died in the attack on December 7th, 1941.
Saalburg brilliantly combined the emotions of two of the most significant battles in American history: the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Gettysburg that ultimately altered the course of the Civil War. “…We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain,” the second to the last line of Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, drew a strong and thoughtful parallel that sparked emotions and morale in the American people as the nation entered into war.
The artistic content of this poster is extremely evocative and powerful, as well. With the glowing red of the flames at the bottom of the piece in stark contrast to the depth and thickness of the billowing smoke, the piece brings the sensation of both sinking downward into the sea and rising upwards towards the sky in a brilliant way. The image is actionary–reminiscent of the old black and white news reels of war footage shown to Americans around the country.
This piece is an Offset Lithograph, printed in 1942. It was printed in three different sizes; we currently have the smallest version (28″ x 22″) in stock.
Vintage European Posters, Maui 