ART FOR A CHANGE - Posters of the Spanish Civil War

BACK TO SPAIN

Republican posters not only called upon Spaniards to resist fascism and defend the republic, they also encouraged international solidarity.

This poster by Borras Casanova was published in Valencia, December 1936, and served as one such direct appeal to the international community. The message on the poster, printed in English, reads, "The Spanish workmen struggle for the liberty and the culture of all countries. Solidarity with them!" The war impoverished family portrayed on this poster stand against the backdrop of their burning village.

The republican government set up cultural ministries responsible for the production of such posters, but many worker's groups, unions, and independent organizations also produced their own posters. In republican controlled zones, the posters were seen everywhere, from factory shop floors to street corners.