Created in 1918 by Joseph Pennell, *That Liberty Shall Not Perish From the Earth – Buy Liberty Bonds* is one of the most striking and emotionally charged American propaganda posters produced during World War I. Commissioned for the Fourth Liberty Loan campaign, the poster uses dramatic imagery to warn viewers of the destruction that could threaten the United States if the war effort failed.
Pennell depicts New York Harbor consumed by flames, with the Statue of Liberty silhouetted against an apocalyptic red sky while enemy aircraft swarm overhead. Inspired by the devastation Pennell witnessed in Europe during the war, the image was designed to shock American audiences into supporting Liberty Bond drives by presenting a terrifying vision of invasion and destruction on American soil.
Unlike many wartime posters that emphasized optimism or heroism, Pennell’s composition relies on fear, urgency, and stark symbolism. Its fiery palette and expressive, almost surreal atmosphere give the work a uniquely modern and haunting quality that still feels powerful today.
Now regarded as one of the defining propaganda images of World War I, the poster remains highly sought after by collectors of military history, political art, Americana, and early twentieth-century graphic design.
🖨️ Print features:
– Made with museum-grade archival paper for excellent printing fidelity and vibrant color reproduction
– Paper weight: 189 g/m2
– For indoor use only
– Care instructions: If the print does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, dry cloth.
– Please note: Due to the production process of these posters, please allow for slight size deviations with a tolerance +/- 1/16″
🚚 Fulfillment, Shipping, and Return Policy:
– Printed and shipped from the U.S.
– Ships in a sturdy mailing tube, frame not included
– As our items are unique and made to order, we can only accept a return or exchange in the event that an item arrives damaged or misprinted. We cannot accept returns if you order the wrong size or change your mind. Any return requests must be made within 14 days of receiving the order.
💬 Questions? Looking for something else, or want something in a different size? Feel free to reach out anytime; we’ll see what we can do!
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