The artwork, titled “Back the Attack with War Bonds!!,” was created by Charles Alston in 1943 and belongs to the Social Realism art movement. It is a poster genre piece that advocates for the purchase of war bonds during World War II.
The artwork features a dynamic and dramatic scene, primarily rendered in black and white. In the foreground, two figures, likely soldiers, are depicted embracing while standing on a rock. They look upwards with expressions of resolve. Behind them, three large arrows labeled “First War Loan Drive,” “Second War Loan Drive,” and “Third War Loan Drive” streak across the sky, symbolizing the urgency and importance of financial contributions to the war effort. To their right, another individual appears to be struggling in water, reaching out as if pleading for assistance. The text “BACK THE ATTACK WITH BONDS!!” prominently adorns the bottom of the poster, reinforcing the message of unity and support for the war efforts through financial means. The signature of the artist, “Alston O.W.I.,” is visible in the lower left corner, marking the work as an official piece of wartime propaganda.
