The artwork titled “Haile Selassie – Emperor, Warrior,” created by artist Charles Alston in 1943, is a part of the Social Realism art movement and falls into the genre of posters. This piece highlights the prominent figure of Haile Selassie and his significant contributions as both an emperor and a warrior.
The artwork is a detailed poster featuring various depictions of Haile Selassie, including a prominent portrait of Selassie with a poised and determined expression. The poster is divided into sections, illustrating significant moments and attributes of Haile Selassie’s life and reign. The upper left portion portrays a historic lineage, claiming his descent from Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Beneath this, a scene shows the shipping of aid, signifying international support and collaboration. The bottom section of the poster involves a ceremonial depiction, possibly his coronation or a diplomatic event, representing Ethiopia’s reentry into global politics and recognition as the thirtieth member of the United Nations under his leadership. Each section of the artwork is annotated with text that elaborates on Haile Selassie’s titles and the historical context of his reign. The overall composition of the artwork seeks to honor Haile Selassie’s legacy and his pivotal role in both Ethiopian and global history.
