Knife Shift

About the Artwork:

John Leech was an English caricaturist and illustrator, born in 1817 in London, known for his sharp wit and role in shaping British satirical art. Leech worked extensively for the magazine Punch, where he contributed drawings that highlighted the absurdities and contradictions within Victorian society. His work is celebrated for its humor, expressive characters, and ability to critique social norms while still engaging a broad audience. Leech’s illustrations not only entertained but also provided commentary on politics, culture, and everyday life, making him a key figure in the development of British cartoon and comic art.

"Vegetarian Odd Fellows" is an example of John Leech's humorous and satirical style, depicting two men as a carrot and parsnip. The man depicted as a parsnip appears to be elderly and is referred to by Leech as "Pa-Snip," potentially indicating a familial connection between the two figures or simply intending to highlight an age disparity. The other figure "Carrott" is aiding Pa-snip as the two engage in yard or farm labor.

Image courtesy of the Met's Open Access Initiative.

About the Artwork:

Winslow Homer, born in 1836 in Boston, Massachusetts, stands as one of the titans of 19th-century American art, known for his vivid and detailed portrayals of American life and landscapes. He began his artistic career as a commercial illustrator, and his experience as a wartime correspondent during the Civil War profoundly influenced his later works. Homer is celebrated for his powerful depictions of nature and human endurance, often highlighting the interplay of human figures within expansive landscapes, using both oil and watercolor to stunning effect.

In 1864, Winslow Homer created lithographed collector's cards called "Life in Camp." In these works, Homer employed a humorous tone to engage in small reflections on military life. This image captures a Union soldier's grimace in reaction to hard tack, a widely disliked basic ration that was a necessary source of nutrition during the war.

Image courtesy of the Met's Open Access Initiative.

About the Artwork:

Amédée Varin, an artist active in the 19th century, was known for his imaginative and often whimsical illustrations that blended botanical elements with human characteristics. Varin's work typically involved elaborate depictions of plants and flowers anthropomorphized in a variety of scenes that both amused and fascinated viewers. His unique style captures an intersection of nature and human culture.

"Cucurbitus 1er/ Costume d'apparat" demonstrates Amédée Varin’s distinctive approach to botanical illustration. This artwork portrays a majestic figure, adorned in attire that mimics the form and texture of gourd vegetables. Varin’s meticulous attention to detail highlights the characteristics of the gourd, transforming them into a dignified presence that commands respect and curiosity.

Image courtesy of the Minneapolis Insitute of Art (Mia).

About the Artwork:

Lloyd Harrison (1864-1931) was an American commercial artist known for his vibrant and detailed illustrations. Active during the early 20th century, Harrison primarily created advertisements for various companies. However, his work for the U.S. Food Administration during World War I holds historical significance. Posters like "Wholesome – Nutritious: Foods from Corn" aimed to educate the public about alternative food sources during wartime shortages.

This colorful poster features a festive display of corn-based products. The composition is an array of tempting dishes made with corn. Baked goods like bread and cake sit alongside cans of corn starch and corn oil. The text "Wholesome – Nutritious. Foods from Corn" arches boldly across the top, emphasizing the health benefits of corn.

"Wholesome – Nutritious: Foods from Corn" served a dual purpose during World War I. As wheat supplies dwindled, the U.S. Food Administration encouraged citizens to incorporate more corn into their diets. The abundance of corn-based dishes showcased in the poster demonstrates the versatility of this grain. From breakfast staples like pancakes to savory grits, the artwork highlights corn's potential to satisfy a variety of culinary needs.

Image courtesy of Boston Public Library Digital Commonwealth Collections.

About the Artwork:

Herbert Roese (1905-1986) was a prolific American commercial artist and illustrator active during the mid-20th century. While Roese created illustrations for various purposes, his work for the U.S. Office of Price Administration (OPA) during World War II holds particular significance. The OPA played a crucial role in managing wartime shortages through rationing. Posters like "Rationing Means a Fair Share for Us All" aimed to explain and garner public support for this essential wartime measure.

This seemingly straightforward poster utilizes a clever visual approach to convey its message. Divided into two distinct sections, the artwork tells a story. The top half depicts a scene of frustration. A woman appears to be trying to make a purchase without success at a local butcher, with a meager offering behind the counter. While another customer leaves with her purchases, the latter figure has no options to buy from. The bottom half presents a stark contrast. Two women, each holding a ration book and a small package, smile as they leave a well-stocked butcher shop. The text "Rationing Means a Fair Share for Us All" stretches across the top, emphasizing the poster's central message.

Image courtesy of Boston Public Library Digital Commonwealth Collections.

About the Artwork:

Hubert Morley (1888-1951) was an American painter, etcher, and commercial artist. While Morley's career spanned various artistic mediums, he's particularly recognized for his contributions to the war effort during World War II. Morley created numerous posters for the U.S. government, motivating the public to support the war cause through rationing, production increases, and civilian participation.

"Pitch in and Help! Join the Women's Land Army of the U.S. Crop Corps" features four American women working on a farm. One drives a tractor, another milks a cow, and two others harvest vegetables and tend to chickens. Their expressions are determined and focused. The title urges viewers to "Pitch in and Help!" by joining the Women's Land Army.

Image courtesy of Boston Public Library Digital Commonwealth Collections.

About the Artwork:

Lloyd Harrison was an accomplished graphic artist known for his impactful and compelling propaganda posters, particularly those produced during World War I. Harrison's work often combined bold imagery with persuasive slogans to influence public opinion and motivate specific behaviors during a time of national need. His style is characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, which were effective in capturing the attention of a broad audience. His posters not only served practical purposes during wartime but also stand as significant historical documents that provide insight into the socio-political climate of the early 20th century.

"Corn - the Food of the Nation" by Lloyd Harrison is a striking propaganda poster that was part of a larger effort to encourage American consumers to adjust their food consumption habits during World War I. The artwork features a woman preparing baked goods like muffins and pancakes, which sit alongside canisters labeled "corn meal," "grits," and "hominy."

Image courtesy of Boston Public Library Digital Commonwealth Collections.

About the Artwork:

Charles Livingston Bull (1874-1932) was an American artist and illustrator renowned for his detailed and dynamic depictions of wildlife. A prominent figure during the Golden Age of American illustration, Bull's work graced the covers of magazines like Good Housekeeping and The Saturday Evening Post. Beyond commercial art, Bull also contributed to the U.S. war effort during World War I by creating informative and persuasive posters, like "Save the Products of the Land."

Image courtesy of Boston Public Library Digital Commonwealth Collections.

About the Artwork:

Save Waste Fats (Artist Unknown, c. 1943) is a World War II propaganda poster aimed to mobilize civilians on the home front. This utilitarian poster serves an instructive function, providing civilians with direction on how to recycle essential resources that can be used in the war effort.

Image courtesy of Boston Public Library Digital Commonwealth Collections.

About the Artwork:

Cushman Parker (1915-1991) was an Austrian-born American painter and graphic designer best known for his work during the mid-20th century. Parker was recruited by the U.S. Food Administration during World War I. Posters like "Little Americans, Do Your Bit" were part of a nationwide campaign mobilizing everyday citizens, including children, to contribute to the war effort in unexpected ways.

This poster features a young boy dressed in patriotic red, white, and blue raising his right hand in a salute. His gaze is fixed on a bowl of oatmeal in front of him, a spoon held mid-air. The text reads, "Little Americans, Do Your Bit: Eat Oatmeal, Corn Meal Mush, [...] Save the Wheat for Our Soldiers" in bold letters around the image. The final line reads, "Leave Nothing on Your Plate."

Image courtesy of Library of Congress Catalog.

About the Artwork:

Dick Williams (1908-1981) was an American commercial illustrator whose work flourished during the mid-20th century. While details about his career are somewhat scarce, his contributions to the war effort stand out. Williams created illustrations for various publications, but his impactful posters for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) like "Of Course I Can!" played a vital role in boosting morale and promoting resourcefulness on the home front during World War II.

This colorful poster features a bright-eyed woman in a checkered dress and apron. She carries an armful of jars of colorful fruits and vegetables. Her enthusiastic expression and determined stance communicate a sense of can-do spirit. The bold text "Of Course I Can! I'm as Patriotic as Can Be – And Ration Points Won't Worry Me!" completes the poster.

"Of Course I Can!" celebrates the essential contributions of civilians during World War II presenting food preservation as a form of patriotic duty.

Image courtesy of Boston Public Library Digital Commonwealth Collections.

About the Artwork:

Henry Koerner (1915-1991) was an Austrian-born American painter and graphic designer best known for his work during the mid-20th century. Koerner's artistic talents found a critical outlet during World War II when he was recruited by the U.S. Office of War Information. Posters like "Save Waste Fats for Explosives" were part of a nationwide campaign mobilizing everyday citizens to contribute to the war effort in unexpected ways.

This dramatic poster features a powerful visual metaphor. A woman's hand, illuminated from below, pours grease from a skillet directly into a fiery explosion. Shrapnel and bomb casings erupt from the center, symbolizing the transformative power of recycled fat. The stark black background intensifies the imagery. The text "Save Waste Fats for Explosives. Take Them to Your Meat Dealer" appears in bold white lettering at the top and bottom, delivering a clear call to action.

Image courtesy of Boston Public Library Digital Commonwealth Collections.