Artistic Medium AnalysisPortrayal of Women in WWII

Images

Title: Rosie the Riveter

Artist: J. Howard Miller

Year: 1942

Medium: Poster Print

Key Images/Words/Phrases?• “We Can Do It!”• Strong Woman• Dressed as Factory Worker

Attitude Toward Subject Matter?• Women are as capable as men• Positive/optimistic

What is Missing?• What can “we” do?• Why is this an issue?

WWII Pinup GirlsTitle: “Little Gem” pin-up

Artist: Unknown

Year: 1940s (WWII Era)

Medium: U.S. Fighter Planes

Key Images/Words/Phrases?• Front of fighter jet• Man painting• Scantily clad “army” woman• Pretty young woman

Attitude Toward Subject Matter?• Women objectified• Good luck? (“Little Gem”)

What is Missing?• The rest of her clothing• Who is the woman?

Conclusions Women in the WWII era were

depicted very differently, depending on the artist.

The “Rosie” movement began the push for women’s rights.

Rosie gave Americans a view of women that was new and different than the “Little Gem” and inspired women across the country to pursue new endeavors.