Benito

La Grande Guerre - Woodcut Realized by Benito - Early 20th Century

Early 20th Century

Pour la belle terre de France is an original Woodcut print by Benito (Edmond Garcia, 1891-1961) realized in the Early 20th Century. Good condition. Edition of 500, not numbered. T...

The Winners is an original wood engraving artwork realized by French painter and illustrator Abel Faivre (Leone, March 30, 1867 – Nizza, August 30, 1945) in the early 20th Century. ...

Soldier is an Original woodcut print realized by Bernard Naudin (1876-1946). The artwork is in good condition on a brown paper, included a yellowed cardboard passpartout (56x35.5 c...

Gallant Scene is an original woodcut print realized by Guy Arnoux (1886-1951). Good condition, signed on the lower left corner. Included a white cardboard passpartout ( 34x49 cm )....

Adolphe WILLETTE (1857-1926) French Revolution, the Battle of Valmy, 1899 Original lithograph (Champenois workshop) Printed signature in the plate On ...

This early 20th-century propaganda poster, titled Les Sans-Patrie… Voilà l’Ennemi! (The Stateless… Here is the Enemy!), is a striking testament to the heated nationalist and anti-republican sentiments that surged in France in the years leading up to World War I. Created by E. Millo and published by Le Petit Patriote, the poster presents an impassioned defense of French patriotism while identifying internal enemies—those deemed to lack allegiance to the nation. At the time of its creation, France was deeply divided between nationalists and republicans, between those who saw France as a Catholic, traditionalist nation and those who pushed for a secular, progressive Republic. The Dreyfus Affair (1894–1906) had left the country bitterly fractured, with intense debates over loyalty, national identity, and military values. This poster embodies the sentiments of right-wing conservatives who viewed the Republic’s secularism, its tolerance of political opposition, and its social reforms as signs of national decay. The target of their ire was the so-called Sans-Patrie—those accused of betraying France by undermining its traditional values. The poster’s dramatic black-and-white illustration is designed to evoke strong patriotic emotions. At its center stands a personification of France, likely inspired by Marianne, the symbolic female figure representing the French Republic. She holds a French flag and a sword, embodying strength and resistance against the perceived enemies of the nation. Surrounding her are figures from different walks of life—workers, mothers, soldiers, and historical figures—suggesting that true French citizens stand together against those who would weaken the country. The bold headline, “Les Sans-Patrie… Voilà l’Ennemi!”, leaves no room for ambiguity. It directly accuses those who lack national loyalty as traitors, rallying "true" French citizens to defend the homeland. The text addresses “Aux Vrais Français” (To True French People), making a direct appeal to patriotic sentiment. It warns readers about anti-national forces, particularly socialists, internationalists, and secularists, who are accused of corrupting French youth, undermining the military, and weakening national unity. Among its claims, the poster states that: French schools are being used to indoctrinate children against patriotism. Military service, a key element of national strength, is under attack by those who wish to weaken France. The nation’s historical heroes and martyrs are being forgotten, replaced by values that do not serve the country’s survival. The final rallying cry at the bottom, “À bas les sans-patrie & Vive la France...

This circa 1915 French wartime propaganda poster is a striking example of World War I-era rationing efforts, emphasizing collective sacrifice and equitable distribution. Designed under the direction of the Comité de Prévoyance et d’Économies, this poster encouraged the French population to ration essential goods, particularly sugar, during the war. At the heart of the artwork is a symbolic sugar loaf, partially cut by a saber, visually reinforcing the message of dividing resources fairly. The text reads: "Avec la carte, nous en aurons peu – mais nous en aurons tous." ("With the ration card, we will have little – but we will all have some.") This message aimed to instill a sense of national solidarity and compliance with rationing policies. The lower inscription, "Casse aujourd’hui ton sucre en deux pour en avoir demain?" ("Break your sugar in half today to have some tomorrow?"), serves as a direct appeal to personal responsibility in wartime resource management. The bold yet simple color scheme (blue, red, black, and beige) gives the poster a striking visual identity, making it both an effective propaganda piece and a historically significant artifact. This rare wartime poster is a powerful reminder of civilian resilience and the role of public cooperation in wartime economies. Due to its historical importance and striking design, it remains highly collectible, particularly among WWI memorabilia...

This haunting original 1917 lithographic poster by the renowned Swiss-French artist Théophile Steinlen was created during the final years of World War I. The stark title, "Sur la ter...