Mail 

Edward Sallenbach made this print, entitled *Mail*, using lithography, a planographic printing process. It depicts a soldier laying on his bunk reading a letter. The success of a lithograph depends on the artist’s skill in manipulating the push and pull between water and grease, and on the sensitivity with which they draw on the stone or plate. The image is created with greasy materials, and then the surface is wet. Ink adheres only to the greasy areas, which are then transferred to paper. Look closely, and you can see the fine, velvety texture made possible by this technique. Sallenbach worked as an official war artist in the Pacific during WWII. The image suggests a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the chaos of war, with the letter providing a tangible link to home and loved ones. By focusing on the intimate experience of an ordinary soldier, Sallenbach elevates the everyday into a poignant and enduring work of art. He reminds us of the human cost of conflict, and challenges traditional hierarchies that separate fine art from the realm of human experience.