Soldat, La Patrie Compte Sur Toi Soldat, La Patrie Compte Sur Toi

Contributor(s): Steinlen, Theophile-Alexandre The History of Medicine Division. Prints and Photographs Collection Language(s): French Format: Still image Subject(s): Sexually Transmitted Diseases Public Health Genre(s): Archival Materials Posters Slides (photographs) Abstract: As with tuberculosis posters, French artists led the way in creating a new style for posters addressing the problem of venereal disease. In this poster by Theophile-Alexandre Steinlen, published in France in 1916, the illustrations of the woman and man embracing, followed by the physically debilitated soldier on his hospital bed, make the message implicit. Due to prevailing taboos, no mention of syphilis or gonorrhea is made, but the words on the tombstone make a connection between morality and patriotism. The message reads: "Soldier, the country counts on you--keep healthy. Resist the temptation of the street where a sickness as dangerous as the war awaits you. . . It carries its victims to decay and death, without honor, without happiness. . ." The poster includes two additional images common in venereal disease campaigns. First, the woman is invariably presented as the cause of the problem, frequently personifying the venereal disease itself. Second, death images such as the skull and cross-bones are used as powerful and fearful warning symbols. Copyright: The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information) Extent: 1 pages NLM Unique ID: 101584655X16 (See in Profiles in Science) Profiles in Science ID: VCBBBV Permanent Link: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101584655X16 Archival Collection: Visual Culture and Health Posters (Profiles in Science)