Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C , Case 3G, Shelf DR3

The Civic Guard Watches

Poster
ca. 1945-1946 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

After the capitulation of Japan in the Far East, Indonesian insurgents attempted to seize power from the Allies in their own country. This poster was probably issued by the Dutch authorities in Java, in an attempt to maintain public order. The Civic Guard, as the image indicates, would have included Dutchmen as well as native Indonesians loyal to the central government.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Titles
  • The Civic Guard Watches (assigned by artist)
  • De Stadswacht Waakt (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Colour lithograph
Brief description
De Stadswacht Waakt [The Civic Guard Watches] Second World War poster designed and printed by H. van Ingen/ S'Baia [Surabaja], Indonesia, ca. 1945-1946
Physical description
Three helmeted bust portrait soldiers shown in three-quarters view and full profile, wearing green military uniforms. Dutch text printed in white on two lines across the upper margin. Dutch text printed in red across the lower margin. Black background.
Dimensions
  • Height: 87cm
  • Width: 61.7cm
Marks and inscriptions
De Stadswacht/ WAAKT (printed in white on black ground, "WAAKT" printed in red on black ground)
Translation
The Civic Guard Watches
Credit line
Gift of the American Friends of the V&A; Gift to the American Friends by Leslie, Judith and Gabri Schreyer and Alice Schreyer Batko
Subjects depicted
Summary
After the capitulation of Japan in the Far East, Indonesian insurgents attempted to seize power from the Allies in their own country. This poster was probably issued by the Dutch authorities in Java, in an attempt to maintain public order. The Civic Guard, as the image indicates, would have included Dutchmen as well as native Indonesians loyal to the central government.
Other number
LS.589 - Leslie Schreyer Loan Number
Collection
Accession number
E.83-2004

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdJune 15, 2004
Record URL
Download as: JSON