From Viktor's Attic

World War II-era posters poke gentle fun

Viktor Schreckengost's works show a consistent ability to capture the essence of the culture of his day, whether it's a Jazz Bowl, a political piece of sculpture, or a stack of recently-discovered cartoons created during his World War II service.

Several cardboard panels have been found in Viktor's archives: a series of cartoons based on semaphore flag signals. The panels were created with illustrator Dudley Morris during Viktor's military career. Semaphore flags were used in the Navy during World War II as a kind of visual Morse code. Flags of certain colors and designs were flown to communicate with passing ships. Viktor created humorous illustrations that played on standard semaphore messages. For example, the male sailors ogling military women (below) illustrate the signal, "My engines are going full speed astern." These cards illustrate Viktor's gentle sense of humor as much as his skills as a cartoonist. They also give insight into the male response to an increased female presence in the military. See examples of these cards below.

Viktor's cards have already been slotted for display during the National Centennial Exhibition at the Navy Art Collection in Washington, D.C. Read more.

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"You are standing into danger."

"To be used to address or call shore stations."

"My engines are going full speed astern."

"You should stop. I have something important to communicate."