Cartoon illustration
1920
James Montgomery Flagg, the genius behind the famous 'I Want You' Uncle Sam poster, turns his ink pen to the timely topic of Prohibition in this 1920 sketch. A dapper sculptor in a tuxedo and flat cap vigorously chisels away at a classical statue, seemingly trying to carve out a new moral order for the nation. Meanwhile, a lively, dancing figure labeled 'RUM' stands fully formed on a pedestal in the background, representing the very vice the country was trying to chip away. It’s a witty visual metaphor for the 'Noble Experiment,' showing that while the law tries to sculpt a sober citizenry, the spirit of rum is still very much in the room.
- Technique
- Pen and ink with wash
- Material
- Paper
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