"Colorful, talented, and seen all around town." In these words, LIFE magazine succinctly described the famous and flamboyant illustrator, McClelland Barclay.

Collectors of bronze, paper, magazine covers, or art featuring beautiful women, will almost certainly have seen examples of Barclay's bold and easily-identifiable work.

Barclay was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1891 and worked out of a studio in New York City, beginning in 1912.

Visible and patriotic, he served in the Navy in World War I. He created a memorable series of posters for the Red Cross, the military and other service organizations, receiving commendations and awards. He also designed Republican posters, and even managed to sneak pretty girls in...