Art produced during times of war typically have one of a few goals. The first is to provide proper propaganda for or against certain aspects of the war. The other goal could be to show the reality of war. Artist during most wars through history have provided art depicting battle scenes and propaganda, but the art of World War II may be one of the best examples of how war could impact the art world.
Blind man in Belsen, Alan Moore, 1947, From the collection of: Australian War Memorial
Australian war artist Alan Moore painted this scene of the victims of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp after its liberation. This painting provides a clear view into the horrors of war.
Liberation and Battle of France: Jig Beach looking towards Le Hamel, 7th June 1944, Gross, Anthony (CBE) (RA), 1944, From the collection of: Imperial War Museums
Anthony Gross painted this while accompanying the Royal Army Service Corps on June 6, 1944, otherwise known as D-day. This artwork was created at the battle while troops were pouring onto the beach.
Blitzed Site, LS Lowry, 1942 - 1942, From the collection of: The Lowry
LS Lowry was working as a fire-watcher in Manchester where he would rush down to the burning buildings and paint the scene as it was still burning or smoking. He depicted the realities of war.
The City : A fallen lift shaft, Sutherland, Graham (OM), 1941, From the collection of: Imperial War Museums
Graham Sutherland was a wartime artist who painted this scene of what use to be a tall building in London. The painting shows the war-time destruction.
This is one of many war-time propaganda posters. Germany used this specific poster to help boost support for the war.
The United States also used posters, such as this one, to pick up support for the war. This specific poster shows a soldier in need of help and asks for citizens of the U.S. to buy more war bonds.
This propaganda poster of a U.S. soldier throwing a grenade is suppose to show how powerful the soldiers are with the help of those at home buying war bonds.
Ragan made this propaganda image to show the power of the great United Nations and their "Fight for Freedom". This was suppose to rally support for the war efforts against Germany and their allies.
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