June 2024 Auction Ends Thursday, June 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/27/2024
''I Want You'' original Army recruitment poster from 1917 by James Montgomery Flagg. Perhaps nothing embodies the physical representation of America more than this poster, which finally put a face to ''Uncle Sam'', the nickname for the United States since the Revolutionary War. In the build-up to America's entry into WWI, this image was originally featured on the 6 July 1916 cover of Leslie magazine with the text ''What are you doing for preparedness?''. The words ''I Want You'' were added in February 1917, shortly after the U.S. intercepted code from Germany, encouraging Mexico to ally itself with Germany to fight the United States. Recognizing that war was imminent, the U.S. Army ordered this poster for recruitment efforts, and an American icon was born. Copyright information is printed along bottom margin, ''Copyright, 1917, Leslie - Judge Co., N.Y.'' The Academy Building in Fall River, Mass. for the nearest recruitment center is also present at bottom. Poster is linen-backed, measuring 30'' x 40''. A few spots of restoration to red and blue border and flattened crease above the word Army. Near fine condition with vibrant coloring.
The Most Famous American Artwork, the Original ''I Want You'' World War I Recruitment Poster by James Montgomery Flagg -- Near Fine
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