May 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, May 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/29/2012
The original oil painting used to create an American Red Cross recruitment poster during World War I. This oil on paper board piece was reproduced as part of the layout in the final poster print, which featured a painting by Cornelius Hicks. The scene depicted a Red Cross nurse comforting a little girl in the foreground of a village, the sky occupied by horsemen symbolizing war. The first line reads, ''Our Greatest Mother'', identifying the woman in the painting as the Red Cross's popular fictionalized nurse character ''The Greatest Mother''. Artist Alonzo Foringer debuted the benevolent ambassador to the charity in his WWI Red Cross posters. Red paint beckons ''JOIN!'', and two American Red Cross logos flank the call to action. It is not known whether Hicks painted this portion in addition to the pictorial art for the poster. Hunter green background with white and red script. Measures 38'' x 12''. Some wear to edges, paper loss to lower right corner, and lower left corner is present but detached, else very good condition.
Original Artwork From a WWI American Red Cross Poster
Click above for larger image.