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About the Artist
Ernest Dudley Chase was an American illustrator renowned for his imaginative pictorial maps during the early to mid-twentieth century. His work brought together clear geographic information and decorative graphic design, making distant places and current events accessible to a broad public. Chase's maps, often published during times of global change, are valued for their wit, clarity, and visual appeal.
This 1942 map poster belongs to his mature period, when editorial cartography played a vital role in informing and engaging the public, especially during wartime. Collectors appreciate Chase for his ability to balance information and artistry, creating historical map posters that remain relevant and visually compelling.
The Artwork
Created in 1942 at the height of World War II, this map titled Japan the target was designed as both an informative and persuasive tool. During this era, the Pacific theater was complex and unfamiliar to many Americans, and illustrated maps like this one helped translate news into a tangible sense of geography and strategy.
The directness of the title reflects the urgency of wartime communication, turning geography into a narrative of conflict and focus. As a vintage print, it exemplifies the tradition of popular cartography where military priorities and public information intersect, making it a fascinating piece for those interested in history and visual storytelling. For more on this genre, explore our maps and blue toned wall art collections.
Style & Characteristics
This work is a striking example of midcentury pictorial cartography, featuring a bold, simplified map of Japan and the surrounding Pacific. The composition centers on a vivid red target motif, immediately drawing the eye and reinforcing the map’s message. Clear labels, graphic icons, and emblematic symbols populate the land and sea, enhancing both clarity and visual interest.
The palette is bright and high-contrast, with dominant blues, yellows, reds, greens, and crisp white, all outlined with sharp linework. The overall effect is energetic and immediate, designed for quick understanding even from a distance. This vintage map poster pairs well with other graphic prints and adds a dynamic focal point to any space.
In Interior Design
This vintage map poster is well suited for studies, offices, libraries, or media rooms where conversation pieces are appreciated. Its historical context and graphic style make it ideal for a gallery wall alongside travel memorabilia, wartime photographs, or other cartographic art prints.
For best effect, frame it with a clean mat and simple border to highlight its typography and geometric design. It complements midcentury modern, eclectic, and industrial interiors, especially those featuring navy, cream, and mustard hues. To complete the look, consider options from our frames collection.