The artwork titled “Violent poster” is a photograph taken by the renowned artist Henri Cartier-Bresson in 1961. Captured in black and white, this piece represents the medium of photography and falls within the photo genre. As of the last available information, the artwork resides in a private collection.
In this artwork, we observe a moment of public demonstration or possibly a parade, as evidenced by individuals holding large posters. The posters exhibit strong graphic imagery, with one depicting a clenched fist crushing a serpent with a human head wearing a hat resembling the Uncle Sam top hat, which symbolizes the United States. This visual metaphor directly alludes to anti-American sentiments and possibly references the geopolitical conflicts of the era, with the snake often being a symbol of treachery or evil. The individuals in the photograph appear to be civilians since there are no visible uniforms or military regalia. The presence of these posters in a public space suggests a charged political atmosphere, and the photograph has immortalized a moment of stark, visual political communication.
Despite the potential intensity of the subject matter, the people carrying the posters seem relatively calm, focused on the task at hand rather than overtly aggressive or confrontational. The scene is set within a street that provides a glimpse into the architectural environment of the time, adding context to the socio-political narrative the artwork captures.
