Accession Number
1954/2.35.92

Title
Teamwork Builds Ships - United States Shipping Board - Emergency Fleet Corporation

Artist(s)
William Dodge Stevens

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
circa 1917

Medium & Support
color lithograph on paper

Dimensions
40 3/16 in. x 4 ft. 8 5/16 in. (102 x 143 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Mr. Maurice F. Lyons

Label copy
Being faithful to the message of the Liberty Loan posters call for patriotism and cooperation, the United States Shipping Board posters adopted a similar approach in recruiting workers for the shipyards. In this poster the idea is communicated graphically and symbolically. The slogan is immediately understandable. The large block lettering is in keeping with the grandiose size of the poster while the flat masses of color that make up the design are simple and forceful. William Dodge Stevens, the designer, definitely depended on color to complete this design. The midnight blue against the flaming orange creates a sharp and vivid contrast uncommon in most posters of the Great War. Without these well articulated colors, the figures and indeed the whole design would diminish in vigor and impact. Though these three strongly determined men are involved in the very action of the message, the lingering image is that of the intense colors. Certainly the choice of colors, the slogan and the overall design combine into a clear and compelling poster.

Primary Object Classification
Print

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
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Keywords
Text-based Art
Workers
World War I
groups
machine
males
modern and contemporary art
posters
standing
wars