November 2021 Auction Ends Thursday, November 11th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/11/2021
''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.'' A Pittsburgh address for the nearest recruitment center is also present at bottom. Poster measures 30'' x 40''. Light chipping, creasing, and small tears to edges, with one 3.25'' closed tear at top. Some foxing, and dampstaining to lower left. Displays well, overall in very good condition with still vibrant coloring.
The Most Famous American Artwork, the Original ''I Want You'' World War I Recruitment Poster by James Montgomery Flagg
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