The Battle - Wise Infantryman

An infantryman looks out at the viewer to warn them of the dangers of "Loose Talk" in this 1944 WWII American propaganda poster by Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer. During the Second World War, there was a constant concern in the United States about inappropriate information being overheard or intercepted by enemy agents both domestically and abroad.

Jes Wilhelm Schlaikjer (1897-1982) began his professional career while still in high school painting for a Chicago newspaper. He continued his studies at Ecole Des Beaux Arts as well as the School of the Art Institute, where he studied under Robert Henri. His paintings graced the covers of many of the popular magazines of the time including, Scribner's, Collier's, American Legion Monthly, Redbook, Woman's Home Companion, and Cosmopolitan. He taught at the National Academy of Design, and later at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts.

In 1942, he was recruited by the United States War Department as a poster artist. He created many posters with a variety of themes during the war, which are highly sought after by collectors. He also served as a portraitist for military leaders including, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, and George S. Patton. These portraits now hang in the National War College in Washington, D.C. Schlaikjer is most known for his many recruitment posters during World War II. His academic painterly style was popular at the time and helped convey the realism of the messaging.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed, and in excellent condition.
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