Lot 543
Christy "The Spirit of America" (ca.1918) Size: 20 x 29¾", on acid-free mat and framed to 23 x 33". Printer: Forbes, Boston. Top 5" show moderate creasing, pinholes in all four corners, three tiny nicks to right edge, faint 8" abrasion with minor color loss projects up from center bottom edge, very faint creases at bottom edge. Not examined out of frame, but appears to be in very good condition.
The angelic dress and posture of the subject combine with the halo effect of an American flag behind her to make Christy's message for the Red Cross very plain. Support for the Red Cross had begun very early in the war effort, with donations being sent to Europe long before U.S. involvement in the War. Once the U.S. joined the fight, posters portraying the desperate plight of European victims began to be replaced with patriotic, almost religious posters, like the one offered here.
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
Theofiles 242.
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| Realized $920 |
