Subscribe to the seventh war bond; Zeichnet die siebente Kriegsanleihe Maximilian Lenz (1860-1948)

The composition presents a scene centered around a handshake between three figures against a backdrop suggesting a military tent or pavilion. The central figure, a young boy, stands slightly taller than the two men flanking him. He is dressed in simple working clothes and holds aloft a flag with a stylized emblem at its top – seemingly a broom affixed to a pole. This unusual detail immediately introduces an element of ambiguity and potential satire.
The man on the left appears older, formally attired in a suit and tie, suggesting a position of authority or affluence. The figure on the right is younger, wearing working attire similar to that of the boy, but with a cap obscuring part of his face. Their hands are clasped firmly in a gesture intended to convey unity and agreement.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and yellows – which contribute to a sense of austerity and seriousness. The yellow background, however, provides a stark contrast, drawing attention to the figures and the text below. The artist employed a somewhat caricatured style; features are exaggerated, particularly in the rendering of facial expressions, lending an element of theatricality to the scene.
The inscription at the bottom, rendered in bold lettering, urges viewers to Subscribe to the seventh war bond. This contextualizes the image as propaganda aimed at encouraging financial support for a military effort. The inclusion of the young boy, seemingly participating in this formal agreement, suggests an appeal to national duty and the involvement of all segments of society in wartime endeavors.
The flag with the broom-like emblem is particularly noteworthy. It could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of domestic labor or perhaps even a satirical commentary on the perceived futility or mundane nature of war itself – a subtle critique masked within an ostensibly patriotic image. The juxtaposition of the formal handshake and the unusual flag raises questions about the sincerity and underlying motivations behind the call to action, inviting viewers to consider the complexities of wartime appeals beyond surface-level patriotism.