Life — March 7, 1918 — page 40: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a **war bonds advertisement**, not satire. It uses the historical figure of Joan of Arc—the French medieval saint and military leader—as a propaganda image to encourage American war savings during what appears to be **World War I or II** (based on the "Life" magazine's publication period). The advertisement equates buying war savings stamps with Joan of Arc's patriotic sacrifice for France. The armored figure holding a banner symbolizes national defense and heroic duty. The message "Save Your Country / Buy War Savings Stamps" appeals to American patriotism by invoking a legendary symbol of national salvation. Sponsored by the Prudential Insurance Company, this represents typical wartime government-corporate cooperation to finance military efforts through civilian investment.