U.S.S. Haddo, Portrait of a Submarine 1947

John Taylor Arms made this etching, U.S.S. Haddo, Portrait of a Submarine, during the interwar period when the United States was experiencing rapid industrialization and technological advancement. Arms' work often celebrated modern engineering and architecture, but this print also speaks to the nation's increasing military power. Consider the submarine. As a phallic symbol of American strength, it reflects the gendered dimensions of military culture, associating masculinity with technological prowess and national defense. Simultaneously, the image engages with class issues. Building and maintaining such a vessel demanded extensive labor, often from marginalized communities, yet their contributions remain unseen. The print is made with incredible precision, yet it also evokes a deep sense of solemnity. Arms masterfully captures the machine's imposing presence, inviting viewers to reflect on the complex intersections of progress, power, and human cost.