1918 Can You Help The Women of France? Save Wheat Edward Penfield WWI

Date: 1918
Artist: Penfield, Edward      
Size (in): 56.25” x 36.75”
Size (cm): 142.9 x 93.4 
Condition: B

This original antique large horizontal format poster was created by the artist Edward Penfield for the United States Food Administration during WWI.  For this poster Penfield renders an image of French women in peasant garb literally working like a team of draft animals to pull a plow through soil under the title Will you help the women of France? SAVE WHEAT.   Text at the bottom of the bottom of the poster reminds the viewer that these women must feed not only themselves and their children but also their countrymen off fighting the war.  

Penfield’s design for this poster was actually based on a photograph taken in 1916 showing French women toiling to plant crops after the retreating German army had taken their draft animals.  The United States Food Administration, under the direction of future President Hebert Hoover, created a number of posters encouraging American Farmers to produce wheat over other types of crops.  Penfield’s name is signed in print in the lower left corner of the image area and the United States Food Administration name and logo both appear on the poster.  

This vintage original poster has been professionally linen backed with some expert touch up and repairs as needed including repair to a few tears on the edges and to a longer tear on the right edge.   The lower right corner shows the imprint of The W.F. Powers Co. Litho. Of New York.   This poster retains strong color and makes a striking and impressive impression.  Contact us for more information as needed.