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Object Timeline

1942

  • Work on this object began.

1949

  • We acquired this object.

2014

2015

2025

  • You found it!

Poster, Someone Talked!

This is a Poster. It was designed by Frederick Siebel and printed by Devoe & Reynolds Painting Company. It is dated 1942 and we acquired it in 1949. Its medium is lithograph on paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

Propaganda posters are rarely subtle, and are often used to stir patriotism from fear or strong emotions. During WWII, there was concern about spies and moles infiltrating American society to gain classified details about the nation’s military operations. Designed by Frederick Siebel, this 1942 poster warns of the perceived dangers of leaking information about the military’s plans and movements. The dramatic scene of a soldier drowning is meant to scare citizens into silence. Siebel served in the United Stes Army during World War II, from 1941 to 1943.

This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled Loose Lips Sink Ships.

This object was donated by Miss Louise Clémencon. It is credited Gift of Louise Clémencon.

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Its dimensions are

H x W: 101.8 × 71.1 cm (40 1/16 in. × 28 in.)

Cite this object as

Poster, Someone Talked!; Designed by Frederick Siebel (American, Austrian, and Czech, 1913–1991); Printed by Devoe & Reynolds Painting Company; USA; lithograph on paper; H x W: 101.8 × 71.1 cm (40 1/16 in. × 28 in.); Gift of Louise Clémencon; 1949-108-10

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition How Posters Work.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18612741/ |title=Poster, Someone Talked! |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=6 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>