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John Falter
By His Deeds... Measure Yours, 1942
Advertising illustration for Magazine Publishers of America
Published in Coronet, January 1943
Public-service announcements of World War II urged civilians to actively support the war effort by reminding them of the life and death struggles that faced the military. This painting compares the soldier's sacrifice to that of Jesus. The fallen soldiers's head is wrapped in barbed wire that recalls the crown of thorns, and a broken fence on the upper right forms the shape of a cross. A popular Saturday Evening Post illustrator, Falter created numerous advertisements and art for more than three hundred recruiting posters. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1943, and was promoted from chief boatswain's mate to lieutenant on special assignment as an artist. His final rank was chief petty officer. |