War 1939

Irwin Hoffman made this print, titled "War," in 1939. It’s a lithograph, which means that it was drawn with a greasy crayon onto a flat stone, then printed. Lithography allows for rich blacks and subtle gradations of tone. Hoffman has used this to full effect, creating a claustrophobic scene of suffering. The figures seem to be packed together, their faces contorted with anguish. The heavy blacks add to the sense of despair, while the lighter areas highlight the bodies and faces of the victims. Prints like this are often seen as lesser artworks, because they are made in multiples, but it is precisely this quality that gives them social power. Hoffman would have been acutely aware that, through lithography, he could disseminate this powerful image widely, making a statement against war, and for humanity. Understanding the materials and processes of art helps us to see its full significance, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.