James Montgomery Flagg

Born in 1877, James Montgomery Flagg was an American artist and illustrator whose career stretched across magazines, advertising, cartooning, and fine art. He showed talent very young and became widely known for his lively, confident drawing style, which made him a popular contributor to major illustrated publications.

Flagg is most closely associated with the famous "I Want You for U.S. Army" poster featuring Uncle Sam, one of the most recognizable images of World War I. Beyond that single work, he produced a large body of posters, covers, and illustrations that captured the energy, humor, and anxieties of his era.

He continued working for decades and remained a familiar name in American illustration until his death in 1960. Today, he is remembered not only for one unforgettable poster, but for helping shape the bold, direct visual language of modern American popular art.