The Greatest Mother in the World: Red Cross War Fund 1943
Original World War II propaganda poster/lithographic print on paper • Lawrence Wilbur (1897-1988), American illustrator and printmaker.
Style & Movement
Mid-century American Illustration / Propaganda Art. Common to the Golden Age of American Illustration with a focus on idealized, emotive realism.
Medium & Technique
Color offset lithography; based on an original illustration. Features bold typography and painterly graphic illustration with high-key lighting.
Creation Period
1942-1943
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 28 x 21 inches (standard poster size), vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
The central figure is an idealized American Red Cross nurse, portrayed with Madonna-like serenity and grace. She extends her arms protectively over a crowd of refugees and wounded soldiers in the lower right background, while warplanes fly above a burning horizon. The iconography combines religious maternal symbols with wartime patriotism to evoke sympathy and encourage donations.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Poor. Significant paper loss is visible in the upper-left corner and lower-right edge. Creasing, surface abrasions, and minor staining suggest lack of previous archival storage.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 (in current damaged state).
Auction Estimate
$75 - $125.
Provenance History
Commissioned by the American Red Cross for their 1943 War Fund drive. Likely distributed to public buildings, workplaces, or schools across the United States during the war.
Art Historical Significance
A classic example of WWII home-front psychological mobilization. It repurposes the 'Greatest Mother' theme originally created by Alonzo Foringer in 1918 (WWI). Wilbur's rendition modernized the image for the Second World War, representing the vital role of the Red Cross in the American cultural consciousness during the global conflict.
Notable Features
Features the clear signature 'Lawrence Wilbur' in the lower-left corner of the illustration. Notable for its use of the iconic bold red cross and the juxtaposition of the peaceful nurse against the chaotic, burning scenery of the war zone.
Condition Issues
Major losses to the paper substrate at top left; frayed and torn edges at the bottom right; visible vertical and horizontal surface rippling; toning and potential UV fading; foxing or surface soil marks on the right side.
Conservation Recommendations
Requires professional de-acidification and cleaning; stabilization of tears; archival mounting on acid-free backing; UV-protective glass and custom framing to prevent further degradation.