From a new exhibition at the British Library called Propaganda: Power and Persuasion .
Napoleon (1813).
By J. B. Borely, this portrait was designed to inspire loyalty and intimidate critics at a time when the Emperor’s power was declining and France was besieged on all sides. It was originally hung in the Council Hall of Montpellier but less than a year later, with Napoleon defeated, the painting was removed and returned to the artist with the bill unpaid.
British Library
"Crush The Germans" poster (1915).
This poster from World War I was designed to encourage donations towards the war effort from the British public. The use of a five shilling piece provided added symbolic impact, as it features the image of St George slaying a dragon.
British Library.
Bond stamp (1916).
War bond stamps were mass produced and circulated widely in America, and used the notion of liberty to encourage contributions towards the war effort.
British Library
Uncle Sam poster (1917).
Over four million copies of this poster were printed between 1917 and 1918, after the United States entered World War I. Because of its enormous and enduring popularity, the image was adapted for use in World War II and has been satirised in anti-war propaganda during the Vietnam War and later conflicts. Uncle Sam is now a cultural icon and instantaneously recognisable as the most enduring representation of the United States in art.
British Library
