Original Item. Only One Available. Jean Carlu’s modern design masterpiece clearly illustrates the importance of civilian industry to the war efforts. The analogy between a machine gun and a rivet gun gives each equal importance. However, there was some confusion as not everyone saw the industrial worker with the rivet gun for what he was. 

The French born Carlu was exposed to cubism early in his career and when he arrived in the United States in 1939 and became involved in the escalating war effort, he recognized that more shocking visuals were necessary to attract attention when other posters were becoming increasingly cluttered by graphics and messages. This was his  response: Gunmen, a shocking yellow background, the geometric shapes of cubism and bold simple graphics.

This is a great example of a Carlu poster, depicting a soldier firing an M1917 Browning machine gun, and a factory worker using a rivet gun, to show the importance of both jobs. The poster measures 15 x 20” and is in fair condition although there are three circular holes at the top and some small tearing as shown. There is also some tearing along the folding creases, so this would look best in a frame.

A great example, ready for further research and display.