The artwork, titled “Charles Henry Fletcher, Soldier of Production,” was created by Charles Alston in 1943. It belongs to the Social Realism movement and is a poster.
The artwork is a detailed graphite drawing that prominently features the portrait of Charles Henry Fletcher, centered and larger than other elements within the composition. The portrait is rendered with careful attention to facial features, giving a sense of strength and determination. Surrounding the main portrait are several smaller, illustrative scenes depicting moments from Fletcher’s life and achievements.
To the left of the portrait, we see a young Fletcher working with mechanical devices, showcasing his inclination for tinkering and ingenuity. Below this, another scene illustrates Fletcher being congratulated for his production achievements. The lower right segment of the artwork portrays laborers in an industrial setting, symbolizing Fletcher’s contributions to production during the war effort. A quote within the artwork reads, “You build ’em brother—I’ll float ’em!” emphasizing the collective effort in wartime production.
Additionally, textual information highlights Fletcher’s impressive 400% increase in production due to his innovative device for welding insulation clips. The text underscores his receipt of a Certificate of Individual Production, marking him as a significant figure among workers. This piece, with its detailed illustration and narrative elements, serves as both a tribute and motivational piece for laborers during the wartime period.
