The single most famous portrait of Uncle Sam is the "I WANT YOU" Army recruiting poster from World War I. The poster was painted by James Montgomery Flagg in 1916-1917.
That is a quote from an internet article on Uncle Sam, but I can't find out yet whether it is considered in the public domain or not. Just give me another few minutes. This is pretty interesting.
Here's another link about the artist, and the poster.
It is likely to be in the public domain since the image is so old now and has been reproduced so often, and since it is a part of the history of our country now, and should therefore be accessible to every citizen. I looked but couldn't find anyplace that said specifically "The Uncle Sam I Want You poster by J.M.Flagg is now in the public domain."
It is more a question of learning what that means to be in the public domain and applying it to the facts of the poster, then drawing the conclusion which I drew. You might want to go to:
Born: c. 1812
Birthplace: United States
Best Known As: Cartoon symbol of the United States
Uncle Sam is the cartoon embodiment of the government of the United States of America, a character who appeared in newspapers and magazines beginning in the first part of the 19th century. The commonly accepted version of his origin, or at least the best explanation anyone's been able to supply, is that he was modelled after Samuel Wilson, a meat purveyor to the United States army during the War of 1812. Known as "Uncle Sam," Wilson put his initials on his goods. The initials U.S. were also taken to stand for United States. Over the years Uncle Sam evolved into a tall, white-haired man with beard, sporting patriotic colors and a top hat. The most common modern image can be traced to his depiction by James Montgomery Flagg from 1916, for a military recruitment poster calling "I Want YOU For the U.S. Army."
Creative Commons [1], an organization which promotes the migration of works into the public domain as well as copyleft licensing schemes, holds that:
Public access to literature, art, music, and film is essential to preserving and building on our cultural heritage. Many of the most important works of American culture have drawn upon the creative potential of the public domain. Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is a classic example of a film that did not enjoy popular success until it entered the public domain. Other icons such as Snow White, Pinocchio, Santa Claus and Uncle Sam grew out of public domain figures.
May 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
Excellent question.
The single most famous portrait of Uncle Sam is the "I WANT YOU" Army recruiting poster from World War I. The poster was painted by James Montgomery Flagg in 1916-1917.
That is a quote from an internet article on Uncle Sam, but I can't find out yet whether it is considered in the public domain or not. Just give me another few minutes. This is pretty interesting.
Here's another link about the artist, and the poster.
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm015.html
It is likely to be in the public domain since the image is so old now and has been reproduced so often, and since it is a part of the history of our country now, and should therefore be accessible to every citizen. I looked but couldn't find anyplace that said specifically "The Uncle Sam I Want You poster by J.M.Flagg is now in the public domain."
It is more a question of learning what that means to be in the public domain and applying it to the facts of the poster, then drawing the conclusion which I drew. You might want to go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain
get educated about the basics and make your own conclusion which may differ from mine.
Thanks for this fun question.
May 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
yea
May 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
YES SIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
May 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
Yes it is, it was done in 1917.
http://americanart.si.edu/collections/exhibits/posters/images/1995.84.53_b.jpg
May 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
i dunno
May 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
Uncle Sam, National Icon
Born: c. 1812
Birthplace: United States
Best Known As: Cartoon symbol of the United States
Uncle Sam is the cartoon embodiment of the government of the United States of America, a character who appeared in newspapers and magazines beginning in the first part of the 19th century. The commonly accepted version of his origin, or at least the best explanation anyone's been able to supply, is that he was modelled after Samuel Wilson, a meat purveyor to the United States army during the War of 1812. Known as "Uncle Sam," Wilson put his initials on his goods. The initials U.S. were also taken to stand for United States. Over the years Uncle Sam evolved into a tall, white-haired man with beard, sporting patriotic colors and a top hat. The most common modern image can be traced to his depiction by James Montgomery Flagg from 1916, for a military recruitment poster calling "I Want YOU For the U.S. Army."
FOUR GOOD LINKS
Uncle Sam's Place http://www.uncle-sams-home.com/troywlsn.html
The city of Troy, New York has a statue and a claim to Wilson
Biography of Uncle Sam http://home.nycap.rr.com/content/us_bio.html
The legendary version of his origins
Uncle Sam Images http://home.nycap.rr.com/content/unclesam.html
Gallery of a wide variety of Uncle Sam versions
Forgotten Origins http://xroads.virginia.edu/~CAP/SAM/sam.htm
Still yet another version of the story
Considering the age of the image and the general use, I'd say it is in the public domain. - Stuart
May 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
Creative Commons [1], an organization which promotes the migration of works into the public domain as well as copyleft licensing schemes, holds that:
Public access to literature, art, music, and film is essential to preserving and building on our cultural heritage. Many of the most important works of American culture have drawn upon the creative potential of the public domain. Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is a classic example of a film that did not enjoy popular success until it entered the public domain. Other icons such as Snow White, Pinocchio, Santa Claus and Uncle Sam grew out of public domain figures.
May 31st, 2008 at 7:21 am
Yes and I love those posters.