Because Somebody Talked! — Wesley Heyman, 1944

Because Somebody Talked! is a moving 1944 American World War II poster by Wesley Heyman. A sad-looking dog rests behind a chair draped with part of a U.S. Navy uniform, while a gold-star service banner hangs prominently above. The simple arrangement transforms a wartime security message into an intimate image of absence and loss.

Muted gray, deep navy, warm brown, cream, red, and gold give the poster a restrained character, while the sweeping white lettering across the bottom delivers its warning with dramatic clarity. Published by the U.S. Government Printing Office, the design is an unusual example of wartime propaganda that communicates the consequences of careless conversation through emotion rather than battlefield imagery.

Artwork Details

• Artist: Wesley Heyman
• Title: Because Somebody Talked!
• Original title: --Because somebody talked!
• Series: World War II Posters
• Date: 1944
• Period: World War II
• Place of Origin: United States
• Medium: Color halftone poster

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.