Walther P-38

VERY daring subject matter. Is this a promotional piece or commissioned?

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natobasso

The gun on its own has historical value. The swastika behind it makes such a strong statement that it overwhelms even the gun's impact.

It's a fine line between ignorance and sensitivity with the whole Nazi issue that's a tough ask.

If it were me, I'd remove the swastika and focus on the craftsmanship of the gun. At the very least, I'd make the swastika MUCH smaller, down by the '359' logo.

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natobasso

Thank you for your interest. You should notice notice that while the swastika is present has been softened or played down to an afterthought. In my opinion it is important to present things accurately, and I have tried to do so here. Nowhere in this image is there celebration of Nazism. The fact is this gun really came about because of the need to arm, that is what guns are all about, tomorrow I will post the image of the American counterpart to this handgun, I hope you will look for it and post me your impressions on that.

Sure, will do.

The swastika has been lightened, yes, but I recommend making it smaller which is the real issue. since it's larger in design that makes it more important than even the gun. I'd make it smaller and down by the '359' logo in flag format.

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natobasso

Thanks for your comments: In this context I feel they are unfortunately linked together and as much as you make a good point I feel the placement of the flag behind the weapon gives it no special importance.
Its usage is to merely establish a sense of lineage, which is necessary to create an accurate historic presentation. This sort of thing is done in the movies all the time.

I think you're misunderstanding me. I believe the swastika is too large to make it as deemphasized as you think it is. Anyway, good luck!

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natobasso

i was also 'struck' by the use of the swastika, more than the nice work you did on the illustration actually. maybe you could also try to think of other ways to put the piece in the right context, i.e. other typical typography(!), use of colors and/or other attributes to set the atmosphere.

imho putting the flag with the swastika in the background actually does give it extra importance.. but maybe, maybe... if you insist on using the image of the swaatika, you could think of putting it on a waving flag or so (a bit worn down, resembling old film-footage to add a touch of authenticity).

just my 2 deutschmark, erm... cents ;-)

This particular gun was an incredible innovation in its time; in fact there are features in today’s modern guns that have come about because this very gun. Where did the gun come from and who demanded it! These people were the worse kind of examples of humanity but eerily they were innovators in the art of making war. The use of the swastika in this image is a specter; a ghost meant to haunt it’s (the guns) past, not a flag that is hanging with pride.

For example the symbol for the Luftwaffe

The swastika was more a political symbol not military one. I think using the Luftwaffe symbol (which was the symbol for the whole army at the time) would have a far greater impact in my opinion.

Yes, but the gun was not invented by or for the Luftwaffe exclusively. It was developed by the National Socialists to replace the aging P-08. You are correct about the swastika being a political symbol; it was the symbol of the political party that demanded this gun be developed for the war they would wage.

hmm, i get your point.. but do you want critique on the illustration (the gun) or on the total graphic? my historical/political knowledge isn't that great so i won't get you started ;-)

it's just that in any case, the swastika seems a bit too much (imho) in the graphic. as i mentioned before, the gun is illustrated very nicely, but i don't like the total graphic the way it is now. i'm sorry, but context is about more than putting a larger than life swastika behind your subject

Critique how you feel.
Thanks'

Disregarding any artistic feelings, the swastika is bigger than the gun and, hence, it takes on more importance drom a design perspective.

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natobasso

Duly noted. Question are you by any chance European?

I think the the gun is illustrated nicely.
Fabio made a good point - having a weathered / worn down flag..

Big Point - I think its great you non-europeans (north americans mainly?) are sensitive about this subject. That's encouraging for me - people in the UK are sensitive (you may remeber Prince Harry).

Great that some of you care :-)

do you do air pistols ?