Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8

Hans Erni
1955 original poster by Hans Erni - World Peace Assembly

1955

$2,396.22
£1,757.74
€2,000
CA$3,271.02
A$3,679.17
CHF 1,908.30
MX$44,630.99
NOK 24,196.17
SEK 22,769.95
DKK 15,218.98
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

In 1955, Swiss artist Hans Erni created an iconic poster for the Assemblée Mondiale de la Paix (World Peace Assembly) held in Helsinki from June 22 to 29. This original lithographic poster captures a moment of profound symbolism, where a dove—universally recognized as a symbol of peace—is gently released from a pair of human hands. The simplicity of the image, rendered in grayscale with dramatic contrasts, emphasizes the hopeful and delicate nature of peace itself. Erni’s composition is both elegant and poignant. The dove, traditionally associated with the biblical story of Noah, takes flight, representing the fragile hope for peace in a world that had experienced two devastating world wars. The hands beneath it appear tender, as if they understand the preciousness of what they hold. The balance between these hands and the bird conveys a deep message about humanity’s role in nurturing peace, highlighting its fragility and the effort required to maintain it. The poster’s typographic elements also play an important role. The text, written in French, prominently features bold lettering in blue and red—colors often associated with strength and vitality. The poster announces the date and location of the Assembly in Helsinki, underscoring the international nature of the event. This gathering was part of a larger global movement that sought to prevent future wars and promote dialogue between nations in the wake of the nuclear threat that loomed over the world during the Cold War. Hans Erni was renowned for his ability to merge fine art with social and political messages, and this work exemplifies his skill in communicating powerful ideas through visual media. Known for his support of peace and humanitarian causes, Erni used his art to raise awareness about crucial issues. His posters, like the one for the Assemblée Mondiale de la Paix, resonated with their time while carrying messages that remain relevant today. The Helsinki peace assembly was an important event for pacifists, intellectuals, and diplomats from around the world. Its aim was to discuss ways to preserve world peace, foster mutual understanding, and prevent another global conflict. Erni’s poster not only promoted the event but also contributed to its legacy, becoming a symbol of the hopes and aspirations shared by those who attended. This particular piece is now considered a valuable collector's item, representing both the artistic legacy of Hans Erni and the historical significance of the post-war peace movement. The enduring message of the poster reminds us that peace, like the dove in Erni's work, requires care, vigilance, and the collective effort of humanity to truly take flight and endure. Politics - Humanitarian - Finland Printed by Schuster in Paris
  • Creator:
    Hans Erni (1909, Swiss)
  • Creation Year:
    1955
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 30.71 in (78 cm)Width: 19.3 in (49 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Good condition, traces of folds, on linen.
  • Gallery Location:
    PARIS, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1792215187152

More From This Seller

View All
1949 Original poster for the peace exhibition of Pablo Picasso
By Pablo Picasso
Located in PARIS, FR
The 1949 original poster by Pablo Picasso, created for the Exposition de la Paix (Peace Exhibition), is a masterful and poignant symbol of hope and unity in the aftermath of World Wa...
Category

1940s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Linen, Lithograph

1944 Original poster of the second world war by Phili - Liberté (Freedom)
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful poster of the second world war executed under the German occupation by the G.P.R.F. Is represented a sculpted work of François Rude (1784-1855) at the Arc de Triomphe of Pa...
Category

1940s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph, Linen, Paper

1948 Original poster o promote the United Nations for children UNICEF
Located in PARIS, FR
A very nice poster made in 1948 by Michel Hove to promote the United Nations appeal for children. At the end of the Second World War, famine and disease were threatening the childre...
Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph, Paper, Linen

1951 original poster for Paix et Liberté titled Jamais ! Ça. - Eiffel Tower
Located in PARIS, FR
The 1951 original poster for Paix et Liberté titled Jamais ! Ça. is a powerful piece of anti-communist propaganda, notable for its stark imagery and bold message. Designed during the...
Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

1944 Original poster steeped in history - French Resistance in occupied France
Located in PARIS, FR
A sublime poster steeped in history. Maurice Pineau created this work to promote the F.F.I exhibition held at the Berlitz Palace in 1944. The Forces françaises de l'intérieur (FFI)...
Category

1940s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph, Paper

1959 original poster celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Alliance Francaise
Located in PARIS, FR
1959 original poster by R. Ferrari celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Alliance Française with the message "Le Français, Langue Universelle" ("French, Universal Language") stands...
Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

You May Also Like

"Congrès mondial des partisans de la paix" lithograph poster
By (after) Pablo Picasso
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: lithograph (after the original lithograph poster). During the late 1940's and throughout the 1950's, Picasso created a series of posters at the atelier of Mourlot Freres. The...
Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

L'enlèvement d'Europe by Hans Erni - Print 43x60 cm
By Hans Erni
Located in Geneva, CH
Hans ERNI is an artist born in Switzerland in 1909 and died in 2015. His works have been sold at public auction 3,987 times, mostly in the Print-Multiple category. The oldest auction...
Category

1980s Surrealist More Prints

Materials

Lithograph

original woodcut
By Hans Erni
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original woodcut. Executed by Hans Erni in 1970 for the "Dames des Décans" deluxe book portfolio. There were 324 copies of the book issued, but this impression was apart from...
Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Woodcut

"Congress of People for Peace" lithograph poster
By (after) Pablo Picasso
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: lithograph (after the original lithograph poster). During the late 1940's and throughout the 1950's, Picasso created a series of posters at the atelier of Mourlot Freres. The...
Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

original lithograph
By Hans Erni
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Executed by Hans Erni in 1970 for the "Dames des Décans" deluxe book portfolio. There were 324 copies of the book issued, but this impression was apart f...
Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

original lithograph
By Hans Erni
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Executed by Hans Erni in 1970 for the "Dames des Décans" deluxe book portfolio. There were 324 copies of the book issued, but this impression was apart f...
Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph