COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE TWO IMAGES IN RELATION TO THE FOLLOWIG:
A/The choice and organisation of font and style of illustration.
B/The purpose and meaning of the image
C/The target/potential audience of the image
D/The social and historical contexts relevant to the production of the image.
The two images shown differ greatly in subject matter. The Great War image is a propaganda poster from ww1, encouraging people to sign up for the war effort. Where as the Uncle Sam image is an advertisement is for a range of cookers, one hundred years on from the American war of independence.
The Uncle Sam advertisement through out has a very nationalistic, garish approach in design, with the use of the American colours red, white and blue through out,. The stars and stripes are also apparent in the image, what this portrays is a very patriotic and gives the advert the identity of America, at the time the world super power, as a result demonstrating prosperity. This is also shown in the type used, when looking at the type used you are immediately drawn to the bold Uncle Sam Range. The typeface used here is commonly thought of to be associated with America especially in the ‘wild west’. Which is another example of the nationalistic standpoint the creators of the range are trying to show and force into the audiences mind. Uncle Sam himself being at the centre of the image is a clear indication that to buy this cooker would be buying into the lifestyle of the American dream.
The clock above the fireplace highlights another subject matter running through the piece, that of celebration of having independence. The clock shows the one hundred years that has passed since independence.1776-1876. The celebratory dinner party that is occurring in the image also shows this. Centenary hall is portrayed in the image, which was built for the one hundred year celebration and is another example of prosperity and power.
Finally with in the image there is a theme of American superiority, the menu at the centre of the image demonstrates this. As it is trying to portray that other counties have not become civilized in what they consume, as they are focusing on stereotypes (. i.e. Irish and potatoes) unlike the Americans. In the modern day this is perceived as a racist point of view.
The second image in contrast was created at the time of the Great War. A war with huge significance to the way in which the world developed. This image is based around the feeling of guilt and worthlessness if you were not to enrol into the war effort. These feelings are immediately highlighted by the texted used, with the underlining of the word you. Asking specifically what you yourself have done to help the country in its time of need? The italic almost cute typeface is meant to represent the daughter’s voice that is sitting on her father’s knee. This plays on the emotion of wanting to be the right kind of teacher to your children, and by not going to war are you doing this?
The persuasiveness that is a theme throughout the two images, however they are both demonstrated in different manners, one being war propaganda the other playing on patriotism to purchase a cooker. There is however some patriotism and national identity in the war poster with the red rose of England as the pattern of the curtain and the fleur-de-lis on the chair which is a clear indication of British royalty. National identity and royalty is also demonstrated by the boy playing with queen’s toy soldiers, again playing on the idea of guilt.
On initial viewing the images appear greatly diverse in style and meaning, there are common themes of national identity and persuasiveness.
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