Sign In

- Or use -
Forgot Password Create Account
Description

This poster, created by Edward Penfield, is part of the United War Work Campaign’s “Victory Girls” initiative, a fundraising drive to support American soldiers overseas during World War I. The campaign aimed to raise $170,500,000 by uniting seven major volunteer organizations, including the YMCA, the American Library Association, and the Salvation Army.

The poster portrays a determined young woman in a rowboat labeled "Victory," braving turbulent waves with a hopeful look towards the horizon.

Penfield's distinctive style features bold, expressive typography and a focused, dynamic composition that emphasizes the strength and resolve of the "Victory Girl" as a symbol of national support and encouragement. This work is characteristic of Penfield's contributions to American poster art, where his role as a pioneering illustrator, first known through Harper’s Weekly, earned him the title "father of the American poster." His ability to communicate a call to action through strong, simplified imagery and emotionally resonant figures is evident in this piece, inspiring both patriotism and communal support during a pivotal period in American history.

Condition Description
Mounted on archival poster linen.