Compare and contrast the two images in relation to the following:-
1. The choice and organisation of font and style of illustration
2. The purpose and meaning of the image
3. The target/potential audience of the image
4. The social and historical contexts relevant to the production of the image.
These two images, although 40 years apart, do share some characteristics. Both are very patriotic. The first image, an Advertisement for 'The Uncle Sam Range' (1876) , pictures many American symbols of wealth, power and prestige. An eagle is perched on Uncle Sam's shoulders, a well known symbol of America showing authority and power. The colours red, white and blue are found on the extravagant carpet, curtains and walls. These are colours famous for being on the american flag. Also through the window you can see the Centenary Hall in Philadelphia, known for holding national celebrations. Similarly the second image, promoting the 'great war' and encouraging British men to go and fight for their country (1915), has may patriotic symbols to England. On the arm chair there is a well known royal crest, still seen on all English coins today. On the floor the young boy is playing with what seems to be toy soldiers, yet if you look closer they are in fact the Queen's guards, this could be a way of saying that by helping in the war you are in fact protecting your queen and country. a very honourable position. The Red Rose, another patriotic symbol, is printed on the curtains. Each image is promoting the concept of being proud of who you are and where you are from.
The first image is very unusual, even though it is Advertising a Range, the Range itself is not in the centre of the image and also only half of it is shown. This, therefore, shows that they are actually advertising a wealthy, American lifestyle which comes with The Uncle Sam Range. This lifestyle seems to consist of power, authority, wealth and is in fact showing America to be the carer of the whole world. 'Feeding the world by the aid of The uncle Sam Range', depicted is a shopping list of food from other countries for America to pay for, and the food is somewhat stereotypical to the specific countries. This idea seems to be very patronising, uncultured and somewhat uneducated. Therefore I feel this image is aimed at the Lower middle or working classes, longing for this kind of lifestyle. The middle and upper classes would already have what they need and so this probably would not appeal to them, also I feel the upper class would be a lot more cultured and well educated on worldly matters.
The second image is also, in some respects, an advertisement; but in a different context. The father is being questionned about his participation in the 'Great' war by his well spoken, well dressed and very proud children. This image has been designed to seem very idealistic, no father would want to be without an answer to a question like that. The war was being advertised to all men and the image suggests that all men were expected to participate, 'what did YOU do in the Great war?'
