"Valorous in war, vigorous in peace, united in thought, honorable in deed." This beautifully printed linen-backed poster is reminiscent of medieval kingdoms and is meant to show workers the values they should hold. The 1920’s brought in great wealth for America, propaganda posters from World War I and the start of “welfare capitalism.” It was the perfect environment for Mather and Company work ethic posters to gain popularity. Employers who wished to improve the efficiency of their office, and divert worker attention away from unions, could purchase a subscription of these posters. They made use of catchy slogans, puns, and metaphors, as well as the Art Deco-style designs of well-known American artists. Though the Mather campaigns ended in 1930 due to the 1929 stock market crash, a truly American ideal had been preserved in nearly 350 different posters -- that of the importance of capitalism, individualism, and efficacy. Artist: Willard Frederic Elmes Condition: Excellent LBT-#18
