Ben Hayward
Propaganda Poster Analysis
11/05/13

Propaganda, by definition is an illustrated idea, fact, or allegation that is deliberately spread to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause. Throughout the Spanish Civil War the Republican, and Fascist parties created and distributed a plethora of propaganda. Spanish homes, institutions and buildings were covered in various parties’ propaganda that depicted both the heroes and villains of the Civil War. The emergence of these propaganda posters was a direct result of the fascist takeover the government. The posters served as a visual representation of party affiliation and their goals pertaining to the war. This poster that I present above on the first page represents the Anarchist’s party and their revolution in Spain. More specifically, the column de hierra, or otherwise known as the “Iron Column” was a militia column of the Anarchist ideology. This column was a subset of Militias Confederal and represented the Spanish Republicans. In my analysis of the poster, I will point out the symbolism of the color scheme and the figures represented in the poster as well as the text presented in the poster. The color scheme in any propaganda poster is vital in evoking the direction and intent of the artist’s poster. Also, colors can show viewers of the poster what party is affiliated with them. The red coloring in this poster exhibits the Anarchist party’s colors and distinguishes itself from the dark coloring of the figure that represents the Fascist party. The use of red coloring also attracts the eye better than any other color and makes for a more powerful image in the brain of the observer. What is not as noticeable in contrast to the red coloring is the dark coloring of the villainous looking figure above the soldiers head. The reason that the artist chose to portray the figure with dark coloring is because historically black coloring is associated with the enemy party and is considered to be evil. The dark figure shown wielding a knife behind the back of the anarchist soldier creates that sense that the Fascists are cowards and willing to do anything to win the war even if it means backstabbing the people of Spain. We can infer that this fat, dark figure is associated with the Fascist party and that the Fascists fight unfairly and aren’t loyal to the people of Spain. On the other hand, we have the muscular Republican Soldier spearing the Fascist figure. The fact that he is muscular and shirtless shows that the anarchist is honest and shows that the party is strong in comparison to the Fascists. That said you get this sense that fighting alongside the Republicans that you will be part of this strong party that values bravery. Also, if you notice that the artist has the anarchist standing on Spain as if he is protecting his homeland from the Fascist party. This is a visual sentiment that the anarchist’s revolution will be successful in pushing back the Fascists and retaking their land. With this is mind we will now take a look at the text that is presented in the poster. During the Spanish Civil War, propaganda posters always presented themselves with short phrases that instilled the specific party’s message. They tend to be very short and powerful statements that evoke a party’s goal or sentiment about the opposing faction. The text within this poster above says, “Campensino. La revolucion te derra la tierra” which translates into English as “Farmer. The revolution will give you land”. This phrase holds as a promise to Spanish farmers that through their participation in the revolution they can regain the land from the fascists and have it as their own. For farmers seeing this poster it meant that they were fighting for a cause that wasn’t backed by false sentiments, but rather the promise of land that they needed. Land in Spain at this time was arid, dry, scarce, and more often than not unusable. So for the Anarchist’s to promise land in this poster added to effectiveness of this poster. Not only was it a promise to give the farmers land but land that they as farmers could decide what to do with it. The colors, figures and text portrayed in propaganda posters during the Spanish Civil War play a vital role in the effectiveness of conveying a party’s message to its audience. Color provided viewers with information about party affiliations, and the overall appeal of the propaganda poster. Figures provide the poster with direction and visual depiction of differing parties. Text within posters allowed for viewers to understand the purpose and goals of the party. Lastly, bringing these three key elements in unison can create a visually appealing and more influential piece in portraying a party’s message or goal to its viewers.