Object Details
Artist
Unidentified
Luce Center Label
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.
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Date
ca. 1916-1918
Object number
1986.65.337
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Type
Sculpture
Folk Art
Medium
carved and painted wood and mixed media
Dimensions
59 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 21 1/2 in. (151.0 x 26.7 x 54.6 cm.)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Painting and Sculpture
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Figure male\full length
Cartoon\political\Uncle Sam
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1986.65.337