Uncle Sam Recruiting Figure

Unidentified (American), Uncle Sam Recruiting Figure, ca. 1916-1918, carved and painted wood and mixed media, 59 1⁄2 x 10 1⁄2 x 21 1⁄2 in. (151.0 x 26.7 x 54.6 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.337
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Artwork Details

Title
Uncle Sam Recruiting Figure
Artist
Unidentified (American)
Date
ca. 1916-1918
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
59 1⁄2 x 10 1⁄2 x 21 1⁄2 in. (151.0 x 26.7 x 54.6 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved and painted wood and mixed media
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure male — full length
  • Cartoon — political — Uncle Sam
Object Number
1986.65.337
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1986.65.337

Artwork Description

This carved Uncle Sam is a “serving statue,” made to carry a tray of food or drinks. The character of Uncle Sam dates from the War of 1812 and was based on “uncle” Samuel Wilson, of Troy, New York, whose firm provided the army with meat during the war. When residents of Troy saw the “U.S.” on the barrels, they thought of Uncle Sam, and his name soon became associated with national pride. An unknown artist created this statue during World War I, probably inspired by the famous 1917 “I Want You” recruiting poster.