| EXTRAORDINARY MARINE CORPS RECRUITMENT POSTER BY SIDNEY RIESENBERG (1885-1971), WITH SHARPLY APPOINTED OFFICERS STROLLING IN AN EXOTIC LOCAL, LIKELY DERNA OR MARRAKESH (i.e., “THE SHORES OF TRIPOLI”), circa 1913-1918 |
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| Web ID: | pat-705 |
| Available: | In Stock |
| Frame Size (H x L): | Approx. 52" x 42" |
| Flag Size (H x L): | 40" x 30" |
| Description: | |
| Among the best Marine Corps recruiting posters that I have ever encountered is this large scale example with great color and graphics, illustrated by Sidney Riesenberg (b. Dec. 12th, 1885, d. Oct. 11, 1971). Measuring 40 x 30 inches, the image features two handsome, sharply dressed officers strolling in an exotic port town, likely Derna or perhaps Marrakesh, on a street with an ox-drawn hay wagon, merchant women, baskets and pottery. Probably Reisenberg’s intent was to illustrate words that are said to have once appeared on Marine Corps’ battle flags, that later became their anthem: “From the Halls of Montezuma To the shores of Tripoli.” Each phrase is said to have once appeared on Marine Corps battle flags, with “The Shores of Tripoli” referencing their 600-mile march across the Libyan Desert, accompanied by a contingent of U.S. Navy men, that led to their successful quelling of piracy during the first Barbery Wars (1801-1805). This marked the first ever American military victory on foreign soil. “From the Halls of Montezuma” references another incredible and ultimately victorious march from Veracruz, in modern day California (not yet a state) to Mexico City, to end the Mexican War. The advertisement of “Three-In-One Service — Land Sea and Sky” is particularly wonderful, and the byline: “Where Our Warships Go | You’ll Find the Marines” is even better. What I really find masterful, artistically speaking, is the use of such a limited number of pigments to achieve such a beautiful scene that draws the viewer in. The varying shades of fire red and indigo are particularly wonderful. I have to imagine that the artwork was more parent-driven, and perhaps fiancée-driven than it was an enticement for teenage boys to join the service, though the casual attitude of the men does convey both an air of machismo and a deceptive presentation of ease in the day-to-day life of a Marine. Born in Chicago, Illinois on December 12th, 1885, Riesenberg trained at the Art Institute of Chicago. He became famous for his Marine Corps and war drive posters of WWI and WWII, book covers and magazine art. He lived most of his working life Yonkers, with a studio in Manhattan. He died in Cambridge, Massachusetts on October 11th, 1971. The poster is exceptionally rare. Though unlisted in the Library of Congress, two copies of this poster survive in the collection of the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico, and another among the Rare Books and Special Collections archive at the University of Notre Dame. Two others are known to be in private hands. Mounting: The black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed molding is Italian. 100% cotton rag mat, wrapped in 100% cotton twill, black in color, was used to support the poster and keep it away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective acrylic (Plexiglas). The black fabric was washed and treated for colorfastness. Condition: A small tear in the center of the lower edge was repaired. |
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| Video: | |
| Collector Level: | Advanced Collectors and the Person with Everything |
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| Earliest Date of Origin: | 1910 |
| Latest Date of Origin: | 1916 |
| State/Affiliation: | New York |
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| Price: | Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281 |
| E-mail: | info@jeffbridgman.com |
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