Martin, David Stone, 1913-1992

Person

Biography

David Stone Martin was an American artist best known for his influential jazz album illustrations, but during World War II he worked as an art director for the United States Office of War Information. Born in Chicago in 1913, Martin studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was strongly influenced by the social realist style of artist Ben Shahn. During the war years, he created posters and visual materials designed to support the American war effort, using bold line work and emotionally direct imagery to communicate patriotism, sacrifice, and national unity. His wartime experiences helped shape the graphic style that later made him famous in the postwar jazz world, where his expressive drawings appeared on hundreds of record album covers.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

John Nau III Collection

Collection

Identifier: 000073

Abstract

The John Nau III Collection consists of nine framed American propaganda posters and original and reproduction World War II-related artworks.

Dates: 1942; undated

Found in: Center for Pacific War Studies / National Museum of the Pacific War

Poster, Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

Item — Framed Area, RW37 SC01 SH02

Identifier: 2026.003.006

Scope and Contents From the Collection: The John Nau III Collection consists of nine framed American propaganda posters and original and reproduction World War II-related artworks. The collection includes six original or reproduction World War II-era propaganda and war bond posters dating from circa 1942–1945, featuring themes of sacrifice, national unity, military service, and civilian support for the war effort. Titles include Buy War Bonds, A Strange Sort of Prayer, A Careless Word… Another Cross, 7th War Loan Now All Together,...