V Franklin D. Roosevelt Circa 1940

The circa 1940 original poster by French designer Jean Carlu, titled V - Franklin D. Roosevelt, is a striking wartime propaganda piece aimed at rallying support and confidence in American industrial capabilities during World War II. This rare poster exemplifies Carlu’s modernist style, characterized by bold, clean lines and impactful use of shapes and colors to convey strength and determination.

The design prominently features the "V" symbol, widely used during World War II to signify victory. At the center of this "V" is a portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was pivotal in rallying the Allied forces against the Axis powers. Roosevelt’s image anchors the composition, symbolizing leadership and resolve as the U.S. ramps up its war production.

Above the "V," Carlu illustrates an overwhelming fleet of American warplanes, depicted in a perspective that makes them appear as an endless force. This visual directly supports the text below, which declares America’s commitment to building 60,000 warplanes in 1942 and 125,000 in 1943. The message is powerful and clear: America’s industrial strength is unmatched, and its wartime production capabilities will play a crucial role in achieving victory.

This poster also evokes the broader context of military mobilization and the U.S. commitment to the Allied war effort. It connects to the idea that the Spanish Civil War was a "general rehearsal" for the global conflict that followed. The mention of the General Mobilization Order of 1939-1945, printed as early as 1935, reflects the foresight and preparation that countries began to make in anticipation of large-scale war.

Jean Carlu, an influential graphic designer, leveraged minimalism and abstraction in this poster to achieve maximum impact. His use of the "V" and Roosevelt’s likeness taps into the patriotic and psychological elements essential for unifying public morale. The blue and red color scheme underscores the nationalistic tone, while the precise and repetitive lines of planes create a sense of depth and boundless strength.

This poster is a rare collectible today, not only as an example of wartime propaganda but as a work by Carlu, who was celebrated for merging avant-garde design principles with commercial and political messaging.

Original poster

Military 39-45 - Aviation - Politics

In 1942 America will built 60,000 war planes - Rarious Dispute of the Spanish War: General rehearsal of the 39,45 war, Not to forget that the general mobilization order of 39,45 was printed in 1935 ...

Good condition, small tears, small gaps on the edges