Pvt. Joe Louis Says...

Object Details

Artist

Unidentified Artist

Sitter

Joe Louis Barrow, 13 May 1914 - 12 Apr 1981

Exhibition Label

Born near Lafayette, Alabama

According to the journalist and Harlem politician Earl Brown, Joe Louis was so popular in the 1930s that the heavyweight champion’s “huge picture in fighting togs” adorned many African American community-gathering spots. Different fighting togs but the same popular appeal made for an extremely effective government war poster during World War II. Utilizing only a dramatically posed figure, an inspirational quote, and a vivid blue background, this poster does not attempt to recruit troops, sell war bonds, or encourage hard work in the factories. Rather, it sends a general message to fellow black Americans to “do our part.”

Louis himself, who had turned down a commission when he enlisted in the army, later worked to integrate athletic programs and raise money for military relief funds. He also boxed in exhibition matches to entertain the troops, and at the end of the war, the army commended him for his “exceptionally meritorious service.”

Nacido cerca de Lafayette, Alabama

Según el periodista y político de Harlem Earl Brown, Joe Louis era tan popular en los años treinta que la “enorme imagen” del campeón de peso completo “en atuendo de pelea” adornaba muchos de los sitios de reunión de la comunidad afroamericana. El mismo atractivo popular de Louis, y un atuendo de pelea distinto, hicieron de este cartel un vehículo de propaganda sumamente efectivo durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Con tan solo una figura en pose dramática, una cita inspiradora y un fondo de color azul vivo, este cartel no está hecho para reclutar tropas, vender bonos de guerra o exhortar al trabajo duro en las fábricas. Está hecho para comunicar a los compatriotas afroamericanos el mensaje de que hay que “cumplir con nuestra parte”.

Louis, quien había rechazado un cargo de oficial cuando se enlistó en el ejército, trabajó más tarde a favor de la integración racial de los programas atléticos y recaudó dinero para los fondos de ayuda a los militares. También ofreció peleas de exhibición para entretener a las tropas, y al terminar la guerra el ejército lo distinguió por su “servicio de mérito excepcional”.

Credit Line

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

1942

Object number

NPG.88.24

Restrictions & Rights

CC0

Type

Print

Medium

Color photolithographic poster with halftone

Dimensions

Image: 96 x 67.2cm (37 13/16 x 26 7/16")

Sheet: 101.5 x 72.3cm (39 15/16 x 28 7/16")

Board: 106.7 x 72.4cm (42 x 28 1/2")

A to G Depth: 1 1/2"

See more items in

National Portrait Gallery Collection

Location

Currently not on view

National Portrait Gallery

Topic

Weapon\Gun

Weapon\Gun\Rifle

Costume\Headgear\Helmet

Poster

Weapon\Gun\Bayonet

Joe Louis Barrow: Male

Joe Louis Barrow: Sports\Athlete\Boxer

Joe Louis Barrow: Military and Intelligence\Army

Joe Louis Barrow: Civilian awards\Congressional Gold Medal

Portrait

Record ID

npg_NPG.88.24

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/sm47a706de6-edec-48ec-91f8-817cb222cff4