James Montgomery Flagg
James Montgomery Flagg (June 18, 1877 - May 27, 1960) was a American
artist and illustrator. He worked in media ranging from fine art
painting to cartooning, but is best remembered for his posters.
Flagg was born in Pelham Manor, New York. He was enthusiastic
about drawing from a young age, and had illustrations accepted by
national magazines by the age of 12 years. By 14 he was a contributing
artist for Life Magazine, and the following year was on the staff
of Judge Magazine. He studied fine art in London and Paris in his
early 20s, then returned to the United States, where he produced
illustrations for books, magazine covers, political and humorous
cartoons, advertising, and spot drawings prolifically.
His most famous poster was created in 1917 to encourage recruitment
in the United States Army during World War I. It showed Uncle Sam
pointing at the viewer (inspired by a British recruitment poster
showing Lord Kitchener in a similar pose) with the caption "I
Want YOU for the U. S. Army". Over 4 million copies of the
poster were printed during World War I, and it was revived for World
War II. Flagg used his own face for that of Uncle Sam (adding age
and the white beard), he said later simply to avoid the trouble
of arranging for a model.
In 1946 Flagg published his autobiography, Roses and Buckshot.
James Montgomery Flagg died in New York City.
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