Art Whisper
Art Whisper
This powerful 1942 poster, "This Is the Enemy," uses stark imagery of a menacing hand tearing a world map to convey the urgent threat of World War II, a vivid example of wartime propaganda.
Get the full experience in Art Whisper
This dramatic poster, "This Is the Enemy," confronts the viewer with a stark message of wartime defiance. A menacing, clawed hand, rendered in deep shadows and sharp angles, clutches a tattered map of the world, specifically highlighting the United States. The map itself appears ripped and vulnerable, emphasizing the threat. Above this sinister hand, bold, red block letters scream the title, demanding attention. Below, the hand’s grip is further emphasized by the way it deforms the map, suggesting a destructive power. Created in 1942, the poster’s urgent tone and confrontational imagery reflect the anxieties and calls to action of World War II, urging citizens to recognize and resist the perceived dangers. Karl Heffner, who made this lithograph, was active during a period when propaganda posters were crucial tools for shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for the war effort.
Observe the sharp, almost jagged lines defining the enemy’s hand.
Notice how the map of the world is visibly torn and crinkled.
See the dark, almost silhouetted quality of the hand against the lighter map.
This powerful 1942 poster, "This Is the Enemy," uses stark imagery of a menacing hand tearing a world map to convey the urgent threat of World War II, a vivid…
Karl Heffner was a German landscape painter known for atmospheric, softly lit river and twilight scenes in the tradition of Corot and the Barbizon school.
Read Karl's full story in Art WhisperOpen the App