Framed Vintage War Posters

One particular style of art that has made fascinating comeback in recent years is that of framed vintage war posters. Originally designed as pieces of propaganda or as handbills to catch the attention of citizens and the masses to draw funds and donations to the war effort, these posters and their associated imagery have become iconic and widely recognizable, and frequently get adapted into advertisements or pop culture, such as the “Keep Calm and Carry On” posters from Britain, or the Uncle Sam imagery of the infamous “I Want You” posters utilized by the US.

“Rosie the Riveter” by J. Howard Miller is one of the most iconic framed vintage war posters of all time. The visual of the woman in blue with the red bandanna, posed determinedly against a bright yellow background and declaring “We Can Do It!” to the observer, is instantly recognizable and empowering. Originally used to draw women into the vacant construction positions necessitated by the war but left vacant by departed soldiers, “Rosie” has since become a symbol of feminism and patriotism as well.