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Description

A vibrant and engaging World War I propaganda poster, "What Are You Doing? The Kaiser is Canned - Can Food - Can Vegetables, Fruit, and the Kaiser Too - National War Garden Commission" by J. Paul Verrees, promoting food conservation and home canning as an act of patriotism while simultaneously denouncing the German leader, Kaiser Wilhelm, created in 1918.

During the Great War, food conservation was an essential aspect of supporting the war effort, and the National War Garden Commission issued numerous posters urging citizens to preserve food through home canning. This particular poster stands out from other food conservation posters of the time due to its lighter, more positive tone and the clever use of a pun to convey its message. The phrase "Can the Kaiser" was a popular rallying cry, symbolizing the desire to defeat Kaiser Wilhelm and his forces, while also serving as a call to action for food conservation.

In this poster, J. Paul Verrees employs a striking color palette and bold design to emphasize the aggressive nature of the message. The light green background and the glaring eye of the Kaiser draw the viewer's attention to the central message, "CAN Vegetables, Fruit and the Kaiser, too." The image of the Kaiser's head "canned" further reinforces the connection between food preservation and victory over the enemy.

The combination of patriotism, humor, and practical advice found in this poster reflects the spirit of the era, highlighting the significant role played by everyday citizens in the larger war effort.

Condition Description
Not backed on poster linen.