With the H.E. guns, by Frederick Palmer
1915
Edward Penfield, a pioneer of American poster art, created this bold illustration for Frederick Palmer's 1915 book about World War I artillery. The image features a stoic British officer in khaki, peering intently through binoculars while standing beside a massive cannon, his sword hanging ready at his hip. The text 'With the H.E. Guns' refers to High Explosive shells, hinting at the dangerous frontline reporting inside. Interestingly, the color swatches at the bottom labeled 'Blue Black,' 'Orange Red,' and 'Yellow tint' reveal this is likely a printer's proof, showing exactly how the limited three-color palette was constructed for mass production.
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