Mark Schuler: Joe Hill

Artist: Mark Schuler
1951 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 8.5 by 11.5 inches
Overall Size: 15 by 17 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Hot Press Illustration Board

In 1902, Joe Hill first set foot in America after leaving his native home of Sweden. He worked the mines, waterfronts, and farms all across the nation, toiling in the back-breaking jobs of the immigrant worker. He crossed the country, going from job to job, finally landing in California in 1910. There he joined the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) a radical organization seeking to unite the world's labor force into a single, mighty bargaining power. He became an enthusiastic member of this group for in it he saw hope for his life. His newfound faith took the form of song and he gave the labor movement such tunes as "The Rebel Girl" and "The Preacher and the Slave." Seeking work wherever he could find it, Hill soon began a journey east. Along the way, he stopped off in Salt Lake City to earn a stake. While there, grocer John Morrison was gunned down in his store. Later, on the basis of circumstantial evidence, Joe Hill was arrested and charged with the murder. A widely publicized trial followed, during which Joe Hill refused to testify for his own defense. A jury found him guilty and he was sentenced to die by firing squad. An uproar of workers across America rallied to his cause. But, despite the outcry he was executed on November 19, 1915. Joe Hill, a man unknown until his trial, was instantly transformed into a labor hero and his songs became the battlecries for union. Even today one of Hill's final statements, "Don't waste your time mourning -- Organize!" remains a powerful labor slogan.

This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover for the Sweden Europa stamp featured in the 1980 Portraits of Greatness collection.

Artwork Copyright © 1980 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB06570

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