This is Nazi Brutality
Artist
Ben Shahn
(American, Lithuanian-born, 1898 - 1969)
Date1942
PeriodWorld War II
Place MadeUSA, North America
MediumOffset photolithograph in colors
DimensionsOther (In mat): 94.6 x 71.8 cm (37 1/4 x 28 1/4 in.)
Framed: 121.1 x 98.1 x 3.5 cm (47 11/16 x 38 5/8 x 1 3/8 in.)
Framed: 121.1 x 98.1 x 3.5 cm (47 11/16 x 38 5/8 x 1 3/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Michael Berg, 2013
Object number2018.3.4
On View
Not on viewInscribedRADIO BERLIN. -- IT IS OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED: - ALL MEN OF LIDICE - CZECHOSLOVAKIA - HAVE BEEN SHOT: THE WOMEN DEPORTED TO A CONCENTRATION CAMP: THE CHILDREN SENT TO APPROPRIATE CENTERS-- THE NAME OF THE VILLAGE WAS IMMEDIATELY ABOLISHED. 6/11/42/115P
Label TextShahn began designing posters for the U.S. government as a Resettlement Administration artist during the Great Depression, and his work continued into World War II with the Office of War Information. In this poster, he confronts the viewer with the horror of Nazi Germany’s massacre of the village of Lidice on June 11, 1942, in retaliation for the assassination of a SS officer by Czech resistance fighters. A single trapped, chained, and hooded figure represents the victims, which included 192 men, 60 women, and 88 children. Ultimately, distribution of the poster was blocked by a civilian moral expert on the grounds that the image was too disturbing.
Most of the information about our objects comes from original files, which we are currently reviewing. As such, some of the language may reflect past attitudes and practices that are not acceptable. The Madison Art Collection does not condone the use of offensive or harmful language and does not endorse any of the views reflected in outdated documents. We are committed to an approach that is inclusive and respectful, and we wish to correct language that may be harmful or inaccurate. If you have suggestions, please email us at madisonart@jmu.edu.