Original Item: Only One Available. The "AVENGE DECEMBER 7" poster is a powerful and dramatic image that was created during World War II to generate support for the war effort. The poster depicts a sailor with his fist raised, standing above an exploding battleship, with the words "Avenge December 7" in bold, red letters across the middle of the poster. The sailor's stance and expression convey a strong sense of determination and resolve, while the battleship explosion in the background serves as a somber reminder of the devastation caused by the attack on Pearl Harbor. The poster was painted by Bernard Perlin, a Virginia-born artist who was a Guggenheim fellow and a well-known illustrator for Life and Fortune. The original full-color poster measures 28 x 22 inches and is a striking image that effectively memorializes the events of December 7, 1941.

During World War II, the US government distributed posters throughout the country to raise awareness about the dangers of espionage and sabotage. These posters were not only displayed in shipyards, army and navy posts, but also in waterfront bars, restaurants, public buildings, and other gathering places. The posters featured eye-catching graphics and slogans, such as "Loose Lips Might Sink Ships" and "Keep 'Em Rolling", and urged citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. They played an important role in mobilizing public support for the war effort and maintaining national security.

"The poster has clear and neat markings on its bottom border.":

OWI Poster No. 15. Additional copies may be obtained upon request from the Division of Public Inquiries, Office of War Information, Washington, D.C.
U. S. Government Printing Office: 1942 O-491978

This stunning poster is in impeccable condition, boasting vibrant and alluring colors that are sure to catch the eye. Despite its original fold creases, this piece has remained smooth and crisp. Whether you're a collector of art or simply an admirer of beautiful things, this poster is an excellent choice for any display. With its flawless presentation and impeccable attention to detail, it's sure to become a treasured addition to your collection.

Bernard Perlin was an American painter. He is primarily known for creating pro-war art during World War II and magic realism paintings of urban American life.
Perlin was born in Richmond, Virginia in 1918 to Davis and Anna Schireff Perlin. His parents were Jewish immigrants from Russia, and his father died when Perlin was 10 years old. Perlin grew up with two older sisters, Mildred and Jeanette. At the encouragement of a high school teacher, he was enrolled in the New York School of Design. He studied there from 1934 to 1936, the National Academy of Design with Leon Kroll in 1937, and then the Arts Student League with Isabel Bishop, William Palmer, and Harry Sternberg until 1940. In 1938, he was awarded the Kosciusko Foundation Award to study in Poland.

Perlin was rejected from service in the United States military because he was openly gay.

He continued his focus on war as an artist-correspondent for Life Magazine from 1943–1944 and then again for Fortune Magazine in 1945.

His two most notable wartime pieces, both created in 1943, are arguably his "Let Em Have It" war bonds ad, which depicts a soldier throwing a grenade, and "Americans Will Always Fight for Liberty," a painting of World War II soldiers marching in front of Continental Army soldiers.

In 1939, he painted a country scene on a post office wall for the US Treasury. After the war, his work began to focus on magic realism, aiming to capture special moments in everyday life. He produced his most famous work, Orthodox Boys, in 1948. The painting depicts two Jewish boys standing in front of a subway graffiti backdrop. In 1950, it was the first postwar work by an American artist to be acquired by Tate.

Perlin moved to Italy for six years, and his work became more brightly colored. After several years of retirement, a friend encouraged Mr. Perlin back to the canvas in 2012, and after completing two new pieces the Chair and the Maiden Gallery hosted a retrospective of Mr. Perlin's work in 2013.

In 1968, Bernard Perlin commemorated Mayor Richard J. Daley and the 1968 Democratic National Convention, which was held in Chicago, in a work entitled Mayor Daley. This example of Perlin's work has been used by educators to teach about the Vietnam War. The painting is currently at the Columbus Museum of Art.