Argosy cover painting - June 1973 - Nazis

Painting for cover of June 1973 edition of UK pulp 'Argosy'. The artist is William Francis Marshall (1901-1980), who is sometimes just referred to as 'Francis Marshall'.

The art is paint on thick artist's board and looks to be gouache.

" 'To kill them is why we are here,' said the SS officer." Quite a grim topic for a pulp cover illustration, and untypical insofar as it deals with Nazis as perpetrators of genocide rather than either as comic book caricatures or as the focus of taboo desires.

David Buckman (in 'Artists in Britain Since 1945') provides the following information about Francis Marshall:

"Illustrator and author who studied at University College in London and Slade School of Fine Art (...) Marshall was noted for his witty, elegant drawings allied to the world of fashion. In later life he was a prolific cover illustrator for the novels of Barbara Cartland. Among periodicals illustrated by him were Vogue, Woman’s Journal and Harper’s Bazaar. His books included Fashion Drawing, Magazine Illustration and The London Book, about aspects of London. Victoria & Albert Museum textiles and dress collection holds his work. Exhibited at Walker’s Galleries and elsewhere. Lived latterly at New Barnet, Hertfordshire."

https://hoxtonarcade.etsy.com/listing/1505804300