MARIO BORGONI (1869-1936) PRESTITO NAZIONALE. Circa 1916. 51x39 1/4 inches, 129 1/2x99 1/2 cm. Officine dell' Istituto Italiano d'Arti Grafiche, Bergamo. Condition B+: restored loss in lower margin; repaired tears, abrasions, restoration and minor restored losses along vertical and horizontal folds and in margins and image; light toning along folds. Literally wrapped in his flag, an embattled patriot is raising his sword against an unseen foe gripping the corner of his flag. An allegorical attack on Italy herself, used here in an attempt to raise money for the war effort through war bonds with a 5% yield. Rickards 82, Borkan p. 233.
