February 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, February 22nd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/22/2018
Exceptionally scarce original charcoal sketch created and signed by James Montgomery Flagg of his iconic ''I Want You!'' artwork, used by the U.S. Army in 1917 to recruit for World War I. Perhaps nothing embodies the physical representation of America more than this artwork, 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 posters for recruitment efforts, and an American icon was born. Likely created in the early 1940s, when the image was also used for WWII recruitment, this is the only known original artwork by Flagg of his iconic creation, apart from the 1916 original. Measures 24.5'' x 34.5''. Tape along top edge on verso, and affixed to mat at bottom left corner. Light rippling along top and bottom edge and minimal charcoal offsetting near bottom. Overall in very good to near fine condition, striking in its size and presentation.
James Montgomery Flagg Signed Sketch of His Most Famous American Artwork: Uncle Sam's ''I Want You!'', Created for World War I Recruitment -- Measures 24.5'' x 34.5'', Incredibly Scarce
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