War Bulletins c. 1942

Leo Meissner made this print, titled "War Bulletins," using engraving. The image presents a crowd of people gathered to read news about the war. The upturned faces express concern and anxiety, reflecting the emotional climate during wartime. Meissner was an American artist and printmaker, and this work likely dates to the World War II era. During this time, public squares and newsstands became focal points where people gathered for updates on the conflict. The print captures a sense of shared national experience. In its emphasis on the faces of ordinary citizens, the print creates a powerful statement about the collective impact of war on society. Historical research into the media and public spaces of the mid-20th century can further illuminate the social context of this image, and help us understand the reciprocal relationship between the individual and the larger community.