E. Lemielle

1915 Original WWI poster Remember! 1914 Nothing German! Nothing from the Germans

1915

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...

The 1917 original poster by Abel Faivre, titled “3e Emprunt de la Défense Nationale – Crédit Lyonnais – Liberté”, is a striking example of World War I propaganda, blending art with p...

This original 1917 lithographic poster by Alphonse Grebel was created to promote the Foire de Paris, held from May 1st to 15th during the final years of World War I. Far beyond a sim...

The 1916 original poster by Richard Gutz, titled "Souscrivez pour la victoire - Banque nationale de crédit", is an evocative piece of wartime propaganda produced during the height of...

Original antique World War One poster - Der letzte Hieb ist die 8. Kriegsanleihe / The last blow is the 8th War Loan - featuring a dynamic image on a blue backg...

Original antique World War One war loan poster - Buy Military Loan 5½% The more money the more shells! / ????????????? ?? ??????? ???? 5½% ??? ?????? ????? ??? ?????? ????????! - featuring a military soldier looking towards the viewer for help and indicating the empty used artillery shells...

Original antique World War One propaganda poster for War Loan Insurance by way of the Austrian military widow and orphan fund / Kriegsanleiheversicherung im Wege des t.f. Osterreichi...

Original antique World War One propaganda poster - Through work to victory Passage to peace / Durch Arbeit zum sieg! Durchgang zum frieden! - featuring a smiling soldier in military uniform and helmet holding a rifle gun in one hand and shaking hands with a smiling worker in a munitions factory with the bold Gothic blackletter style text below. Artwork by Alexander M...