Chinese # 101 - Mao And Bethune

This Chinese propaganda poster depicts a meeting between Mao Zedong (1893–1976) and Canadian physician Dr. Norman Bethune (1890–1939), one of the best-known foreign figures associated with the Chinese Communist movement. Mao and Bethune are shown seated across a simple wooden table in a modest room, engaged in conversation. A map of China hangs on the wall behind them, reinforcing the historical setting and Bethune’s wartime medical mission.Norman Bethune was a Canadian surgeon who traveled to China in 1938 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. He joined Communist forces and organized mobile medical units, trained Chinese medical personnel and performed battlefield surgery for wounded soldiers. Bethune died in China in November 1939 from blood poisoning after cutting his finger while operating on a soldier.Following Bethune’s death, Mao wrote the influential essay “In Memory of Norman Bethune,” praising his internationalism and dedication to others. The essay became widely studied in China, particularly during the Mao era, and Bethune was consequently presented as a model of international cooperation and selfless service.The poster emphasizes the personal relationship between its two subjects rather than depicting battle or political spectacle. The simple furniture, restrained setting and attentive conversation create an image of shared purpose. Bethune's medical bag rests beside him, identifying his role as a physician, while the map provides a visual reminder of the much larger struggle taking place beyond the room.The artist of this poster has not been identified from the information presently available. 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.