Off to War 1942

"Off to War", a 1942 painting by William H. Johnson, depicts the emotional farewell of a family as a young man departs for service in World War II. Johnson's distinctive style combines bold colors and simplified forms to convey the scene's pathos. The figure of the departing soldier, prominently featured in the foreground, stands out against a backdrop of a simple rural home, suggesting the life left behind. The American flag held by a child reinforces the patriotic context of the painting. Johnson's works often explored themes of racial identity and the African American experience, particularly during the war years. This poignant scene reflects the shared anxieties and sacrifices of a nation at war.