Wolfsonian THE VISUAL FRONT: POSTERS OF THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR / Trhough February 16, 2003
by NY Arts
British writer Christopher Caudwell (Barcelona, December 1936)
Overview: The Spanish Civil War (1936-39) was one of the most catastrophic episodes in the history of twentieth-century Europe. It positioned the democratically elected government of the second Spanish Republic and its followers (Republicans) against Spain’s conservative and traditionalist forces (Nationalists).
The propaganda posters in this exhibition–all in support of the Republican cause–began to appear on the walls of Spanish cities only a few days after the start of the war. Some of the most dominant themes are presented here: the call to arms, the fortification and defense of major cities, the expansion of industrial and agricultural production, and appeals to aid soldiers and civilians. Swept up in the revolutionary fervor, trade unions and political parties also embarked on promotional campaigns issuing numerous posters calling citizens to join their ranks. With striking images and compelling slogans, the posters on view are notable for their enduring capacity to energize and to persuade.
The Spanish Civil War began in July 1936 when a group of right-wing army officers, including General Francisco Franco, staged a military rebellion against the Republic in Spanish-controlled Morocco. The revolt was the culmination of years of increasing polarization in Spanish life and politics. In 1931 the Second Republic was established by popular ballot and King Alfonso XIII was deposed. Dominated by middle-class liberals and moderate socialists, the Republicans initiated a series of reforms that attacked the traditional, privileged structure of Spanish society. As a result, some large estates were redistributed, church and state were separated, and an antiwar, antimilitarist policy was proclaimed. With their interests and their ideals threatened, the landed aristocracy, the Church, and a large military faction joined forces against the government. When the initial military coup failed to win control of the entire country, a bloody civil war ensued.
The war was also part of an international struggle that brought into play the forces of communism, democracy, and fascism. Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy aided the Nationalists, and Spain became a testing ground for their new methods of tank and air warfare. The Soviet Union and International Brigades–volunteers recruited from other European countries and the United States by the Communist International (Comintern)–supported the Republican cause, as did Mexico. Other European countries and the United States adopted an official policy of neutrality, signing a nonintervention pact that cut military aid to the Spanish Republic.
By March 31, 1939, all of Spain was officially in Nationalist hands, under the leadership Franco. After three years of fighting, more than 350,000 lives had been lost–victims of combat, bombardment, hunger, execution, and assassination. Between 1939 and 1943 about 400,000 Republicans went into exile, and the Franco government executed at least 50,000 people and imprisoned many more. Franco’s dictatorship lasted until his death on November 20, 1975.
The exhibition is drawn from the Mandeville Special Collections Library, University of California, San Diego, and The Wolfsonian—FIU. It was organized by Marianne Lamonaca, assistant director for exhibitions and curatorial affairs for The Wolfsonian, with texts based on those generously provided by Dr. Alexander Vergara, Prado Museum, Madrid, for the online exhibition, The Visual Front. Special thanks to Dr. Aurora Morcillo, Florida International University; Dr. Jonathan Mogul, The Wolfsonian; and The Honorable Javier Vallaure, Consul General of Spain, for their assistance.
