Above: Detail

Above: Full view

A kinetic, pop culture, post-war pulp painting by Mort Kunstler painted in 1964 and published as a cover in March of 1967 For Men Only. A fear mongering and chaotic depiction loosely illustrating the story “Belly Dancer Raid to Spring Russia’s Top Rocket Man.” Painting is very nicely framed and ready to hang.

Above: The artist’s signature

Above: Verso notations by Mort Kunstler

Above: Painting as it appeared in printed cover

In the 1960s and 1970s, men’s magazines exploited Cold War tensions and capitalized on prevalent working class American fears. “The Sweats,” as they are commonly known, followed the blueprint set by the pulp magazines of the previous generation, depicting perceived enemies as savages, Nazis, and Communist torturers.
Leading illustrators in this strangely subversive genre, such as Norman Saunders, James Bama, Norm Eastman, Rafael DeSota and Mort Kunstler, created sensational, figurative illustrations executed in a style markedly similar to Socialist Realism and its associated propaganda imagery.

Above: Full view of unframed illustration

Above: Matted in framed in wide profile fine gallery frame