Man the Ships!Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
This first item is an U.S. recruitment poster from World War I. It features a colorful image of the American national bird, the bald eagle, as a symbol of the pride and patriotism of those who enroll.
Up-close, we can see the amount of detail in the eagle's facial expression. The eye is clear and focused, with the brow coming low to show determination, and the beak is open in a proud screech.
Keep Him FreeSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
This bald eagle appears equally noble, but with a beak that is not as open, and an expression more of concern than of daring.
The caption "Keep Him Free" explains some of the eagle's concern, but it is also important to note the nest on which he is perched and which contains army cabins and planes - his eggs and fledglings.
Pour Le Supreme Effort Emprunt National Societe GeneraleSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
Yet another eagle, this time in a position of weakness, clearly struggling to fend off an attacker.
When we take a step back to look at this French poster, we realize that this is not our American bald eagle, but rather the German imperial eagle.
If any doubt remains, on the floor is the eagle's cap: a German pickelhaube (pointed helmet) which became infamous during World War 1.
Credit LyonnaisSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
Another dark-feathered raptor, so we probably can make a guess as to whose bird this is...
In this battle between eagle and Frenchman, we can see who's going to win. If the sword weren't enough, a heavenly light seems to be emanating from the brave soldier.
Un Dernier Effort Et on L'AuraSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
In this poster, also French, soldiers of different ranks and stations clamber to achieve the same goal.
Meanwhile the eagle, ragged and blood-stained, guards a black cross on a white background. This is likely the German iron cross seen commonly in Prussian and German military decoration and aircrafts.
Souscrivez Au 4 Eme Emprunt De La Defense NationaleSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
In this poster, rather than repeating the image of man versus eagle, the illustrator uses the French national bird - the Gallic rooster - to symbolize France.
Fierce and tyrannical eagle...
... versus proud and courageous rooster!
Truthfully, in my opinion, it ends up looking a little bit silly. However, we have to applaud the artist's creativity!
Join the Army Air Service Be an American Eagle! by Bull, Charles LevingtonSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
This imperial eagle looks rather less noble than the others, with the feathers stripped from its face so that it appears vulture-like, and a forked tongue to resemble that of a snake.
As for his assailant? A noble bald eagle, with a shining beak and fierce, golden eyes. His higher position in the image indicates that he will be the victor in this fight.
A view of the entire poster shows the brilliant use of animal iconography. The German imperial eagle versus the American bald eagle; similar, yet representing combating entities and ideologies.
