He's Watching You - Large

Created in 1942 by American illustrator Glenn Grohe, “He’s Watching You” is one of the most visually powerful American security posters of World War II. Issued by the U.S. Government Printing Office for the Division of Information, Office for Emergency Management, the poster warned Americans that enemy agents might be listening and that careless discussion of military information could endanger American lives.Grohe reduces the enemy to an anonymous, threatening figure wearing a German military helmet. Only the eyes are visible beneath the helmet, staring directly at the viewer. The simple message, “HE’S WATCHING YOU,” reinforces the idea that enemy intelligence could be present anywhere. The dramatic use of black, blue and yellow and the poster’s exceptionally direct composition made the image immediately understandable from a distance.The poster formed part of the broader American wartime campaign against careless talk and the accidental disclosure of information concerning troop movements, military production and other sensitive activities. Unlike posters that relied on lengthy warnings, Grohe created an image based almost entirely on psychological impact: the enemy is unseen but constantly watching.Glenn Grohe (1912–1956) was an American illustrator and commercial artist whose work appeared in national advertising and publications during the mid-twentieth century. He is best remembered today for his wartime poster designs, particularly “He’s Watching You,” which has become an enduring image of the American home-front security campaign during World War II.This is an Original Vintage Poster, it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.