“Save Your Child From Autocracy and Poverty” (Herbert Paus, Illustrator) 

Among the successful illustrators of his time, Herbert Paus knew how to create artwork that was highly effective at inspiring viewers toward whatever end it served. His WWI posters were so powerful that they became the springboard to his future career and gained him important notice.

One of Paus’ primary strengths was his versatility; his work ranged from the technical covers of Popular Science (he illustrated all of the Popular Science covers for over three years between 1927 and 1931) to more whimsical watercolors for children’s books and even comic book art. His freelance magazine work included such notables as The Delineator, The Ladies’ Home Journal, and Pictorial Review. 

The US government knew it needed powerful, professional images to keep American patriotism high, and Paus was one of the first asked to create these illustrations. During the years of WWI, Paus’ art graced the cover of Collier’s many times, and his cover from March 10, 1917 is credited as part of the reason the magazine’s circulation increasing to more than a million sales. 

We’ve got Herbert Paus’ litho poster “Save Your Child From Autocracy and Poverty” in our September 23, 2018 on-site auction in Lambertville, NJ. You can see more WWI posters and other great finds that we’ll be auctioning at this two-day 7-generation sale (September 22-23) on my AuctionZip. Follow and like my Facebook page for updates on all auctions and auction-related info; you can also follow me on Instagram (@AlfredsAuctions).