Cardinal Mercier has appealed to the Food Administration
New York: United States Food Administration, Circa 1917. Large lithographic poster printed in black, tans and red on cream-coloured paper. The poster measures 52 cm x 70.5 cm. Some small marks on right-hand vertical side, a very small tear one-third down the right-hand vertical side; otherwise a near-fine print with vibrant colour and clean detail. This evocative image depicts Cardinal Mercier appealing to the public to consider the hungry in Europe during World War One. The text reads: "Cardinal Mercier has appealed to the Food Administration for more food for starving millions. Eat less wheat-meat-fats and sugar. Ship more to the war-stricken people of France-Belgium-Italy". The poster is labelled "No. 10" on the lower left-hand corner and the printer – Latham Lithographic and Printing Company is noted on the lower right-hand corner as "Latham Litho. & PTG. CO. Brooklyn".
Cardinal Mercier was a Belgian Cardinal in the Catholic Church and a noted scholar. He became well known during World War One for his staunch opposition to the occupation of Belgium by the Germans. He wrote a pastoral letter, Patriotism and Endurance, in 1914 urging his parishioners to keep up their spirits. The use of his image in this poster was inspired as Mercier came to personify Belgian resistance.
Artist George-John Illian (1894-1932) was an American Impressionist and Modern artist. Item #5035
Price (AUD): $400.00