The artwork, titled “Again the Springboard of Civilization,” was created by Charles Alston in 1943. This piece belongs to the Social Realism art movement and falls under the genre of a poster.
In the artwork, a soldier is depicted from behind, standing on a map of Africa, looking towards Europe with a rifle slung over his shoulder. The soldier stands at the edge of Africa, facing the Mediterranean Sea, with the continental countries of Europe—France, Germany, Italy, and Yugoslavia—clearly marked on the map. Dark clouds loom over Europe, suggesting turmoil or conflict, while the soldier’s posture conveys anticipation as he looks towards the conflict in Europe. The title “Again the Springboard of Civilization” is inscribed at the bottom of the artwork, emphasizing the strategic and historical significance of Africa in global conflicts. The monochromatic sketch style of the poster, likely executed in charcoal or pencil, conveys a sense of urgency and gravity.
