What the Navy is doing (1918)

Joseph Christian Leyendecker is the artist behind "What the Navy is doing", dated 1918. Context for 1918: The first decades of the twentieth century were a period of rapid experiment, with Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, and the first abstract painting appearing within a few years of each other. Posters, magazines, and illustrated books were major ways for the public to meet new art and design. Vintage Posters, a short history: Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and later modernist design each left a recognisable poster style. Posters announced theatre, travel, products, and events, combining image and lettering to be read at a glance from the street. The catalogue places it in Vintage Posters. The format is landscape.

"What the Navy is doing" is offered as a printable file (Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI) rather than a shipped item. You receive the files by email after payment and handle printing yourself, which gives you full control over paper, size, and finish. A landscape format suits wide, low wall spaces such as the stretch above a bed, mantel, or sideboard. Measuring the wall before choosing a size is the simplest way to avoid a print that feels too small or too large. Choosing a standard frame size and printing to fit it often saves the cost of custom framing. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour.

American, 1874–1951

If you like the visual language of Joseph Christian Leyendecker, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.