She’s Ready, Too Buy War Bonds – Official poster by the United States Government Printing Office during the height of World War II, calling on the public to buy war bonds to support the United States’ war effort against Nazi Germany. An illustration of a determined woman against the backdrop of “The Minute Man” statue over the Concord River, and the text: “She’s Ready, Too Buy War Bonds”.
Given the acute manpower shortage during wartime, women were needed to help in defense industries, civilian service and even in the armed forces. Despite the 20th century trend of women entering the workforce, advertising campaigns aimed at those women who had never held a job. Posters and films illuminated women’s roles as workers and suggested their femininity need not be sacrificed. Whether fulfilling duties at home, factory, office or army, women were depicted as self-assured and determined to do their part to win the war.
A young determined woman dressed in yellow clothing holding her purse as ammunition to aid the war – money with which war bonds can be purchased. Behind her – in silhouette and mute power – stands the statue created by French sculptor Daniel Chester French “The Minute Man” overlooking the Concord River in Concord, Massachusetts. Sculpted in 1874 to commemorate the Battle of Concord during the American Revolution. The poster makes use of the statue to convey the message: the farmer leaving his plow to join the patriot forces in the Battle of Concord, at the start of the American War of Independence.
Provenance: Estate of Ruth Von Euw from the personal collection of her father Stephen Von Euw editor of the Rockville (CT) Journal from the 1930s until his death in 1955. (During World War II Stephen ensured that all security personnel would receive free copies of the newspaper).
Size: 35.5×28 cm. Very good condition.
