James Montgomery Flagg (James Montgomery Flagg)

James Montgomery Flagg

Illustrator.  He created the 1917 World War I United States Army recruitment poster that depicted “Uncle Sam” pointing at the viewer with the caption “I Want YOU for U.S. Army”, a work that has become famous and iconic in American history. Born in Pelham Manor, New York, he began to draw at a young age, getting his first work published in national magazines by the age of 12. At the age of 14 he was a contributing artist for “Life” magazine. From 1894 through 1898, he attended the Art Students League of New York, then studied fine art in London, England and Paris, France from 1898 to 1900. When he return to the United States, he produced numerous illustrations for books, magazine covers, political and humorous cartoons, advertising, and spot drawings. Among his creations was a comic strip that appeared regularly in “Judge” from 1903 until 1907, about a tramp character titled “Nervy Nat”. When the United States entered World War I, he was commissioned by the Army to produce a recruitment poster, the result of which was his most famous work. Over four million copies of the poster were printed during the war, and it was revived for World War II. He published his autobiography, “Roses and Buckshot”, in 1946. He also painted portraits, with some of his work hanging today in the Great Hall of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. He died at the age of 82. (bio by: Shock)  Family links:  Parents:  Elisha Flagg (1855 – 1948)  Margaret Anna Elida Coburn Flagg (1856 – 1931)  Spouse:  Nelly McCormick Flagg (1867 – 1922)  Sibling:  James Montgomery Flagg (1877 – 1960)  Elisha Flagg (1885 – 1955)* *Calculated relationship

Born

  • June, 18, 1877
  • USA

Died

  • May, 05, 1960
  • USA

Cemetery

  • Woodlawn Cemetery
  • USA

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