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

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
Original travel poster from the early 1960s invites tourists to visit Chicago
Located in PARIS, FR
This vibrant original travel poster from the early 1960s invites French-speaking tourists to explore Chicago, the iconic metropolis of the State of Illinois. Issued as part of a broa...
Category

1960s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

Original 1950 travel poster Cyprien Fabre Europe, Africa, and the America
Located in PARIS, FR
This original 1950 travel poster, created by the artist Troy, was issued by the historic Compagnie de Navigation Cyprien Fabre, based in Marseille. Founded in the mid-19th century, t...
Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

1920 original poster Julien Lacaze La Lorraine pittoresque L'Étang de Bischwald
By Julien Lacaze
Located in PARIS, FR
Created around 1920 by the French artist Julien Lacaze, this original travel poster was commissioned by the Chemins de fer d’Alsace et de Lorraine, the regional railway network reest...
Category

1920s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph, Paper, Linen

1947 original poster post-war American industrial messaging
Located in PARIS, FR
Striking, surreal, and direct, this 1947 original poster designed by Victor B. Wells is a rare example of post-war American industrial messaging that blends dramatic visual metaphor ...
Category

1940s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

Original travel poster from around 1930 by Yann Le Dall - Plestin les Grêves
Located in PARIS, FR
This original travel poster from around 1930 by French artist Yann Le Dall invites viewers to discover the coastal beauty of Plestin-les-Grèves, Saint-Efflam, and Saint-Michel-en-Grè...
Category

1930s Art Deco Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

Circa 1930 Original travel poster - Remiremont - Vosges Chemins de fer de l'Est
Located in PARIS, FR
This elegant original travel poster, created around 1930 by Suz. Musson, was produced for the Chemins de fer de l’Est to promote the town of Remiremont, nestled in the foothills of t...
Category

1930s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

You May Also Like

Marching on a Butterbur Leaf
By Yoshitomo Nara
Located in Washington , DC, DC
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph, Linen, Paper

100 Affiches Pablo Picasso Stone Lithograph Pablo Picasso
By Pablo Picasso
Located in London, GB
100 Affiches Pablo Picasso Lithograph Poster Pablo Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, and co-founder of the Cubist movement, which revolutionized European painting and sculptu...
Category

1960s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph, Linen

Menton by Constantin 1960 Vintage French TRAVEL POSTER by Terechkovitch
By Constantin Terechkovitch
Located in London, GB
Menton by Constantin 1960 vintage French TRAVEL POSTER By Terechkovitch Georges Terechkovitch (1908-1993) was a French artist of Russi...
Category

1960s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Materials

Linen, Lithograph

Bally By Bernard Villemot
By Bernard Villemot
Located in London, GB
Bally By Bernard Villemot Bernard Villemot was a renowned French graphic artist famous for his vibrant, stylized advertising posters, particularly for brands like Bally, Perrier, and Orangina. His distinctive use of bold colors and elegant silhouettes made his work iconic in mid-20th-century commercial art. 1979 Offset lithograph, vintage poster mounted...
Category

1970s Contemporary Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Lithograph

Beatles Yellow Submarine Pop Art Poster, Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in London, GB
Beatles Yellow Submarine Movie poster after Peter Max Peter Max is a German-American artist known for his colourful, psychedelic pop art, whi...
Category

1960s Contemporary Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph, Linen

Deluxe Linen Wrapped Clamshell Box of Sandra Chevrier's Cages Book with Print
By Sandra Chevrier
Located in Draper, UT
Linen Wrapped Clamshell Box Contains one copy of the hardcover book and one signed and numbered limited edition print in a linen wrapped folio Only 200 c...
Category

2010s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Archival Paper

Recently Viewed

View All