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S.P.K.
Circa 1940 Original anti-British Nazi propaganda poster Churchill WWII

Circa 1940

$5,970.58
£4,418.94
€5,000
CA$8,259.43
A$9,203.76
CHF 4,792.55
MX$111,076.18
NOK 60,085.69
SEK 56,773.25
DKK 38,069.54

About the Item

The original propaganda poster titled "Confiance... Ses amputations se poursuivent méthodiquement" stands as a remarkable artifact from the era of Vichy France and anti-British Nazi propaganda during World War II. This poster serves as a striking example of the power of visual imagery and its ability to manipulate emotions and shape public perception. At the heart of the poster, Winston Churchill, the iconic British Prime Minister, is depicted as a voracious hydra with tentacles that reach out to grab key sites associated with British involvement in the war. The imagery symbolizes the grip of British imperialism being systematically severed by Axis forces. The strategic locations represented by the tentacles include Norway, Germany, Syria, Somalia, Libya, Mers El Kebir, and Dakar, each representing a British defeat in their imperial pursuits. This propaganda piece was created during the period of French occupation under the Vichy regime, following France's defeat by Germany in 1940. Produced as a tool to foster anti-British sentiment, it aimed to sway public opinion and rally support for the Axis powers. The inscription "Spk" (or "Psk"), found on various anti-British posters of the time, remains shrouded in mystery regarding its organizational origin. The poster's visual composition was carefully crafted to appeal to the emotions of the French people. Particularly resonant were the British campaigns against German expansion in French colonial territories, such as Dakar and Mers-el-Kébir. These actions resulted in the loss of French lives, leaving a lasting impact on public consciousness. By highlighting these events, the poster sought to evoke anger and resentment towards the British and reinforce the notion of their perceived imperialistic aggression. Translated as "be reassured, the amputations (of his tentacles) are proceeding methodically," the phrase accompanying the image emphasizes the calculated and deliberate nature of the depicted actions. It aimed to reassure viewers that the dismantling of British influence was occurring systematically and with resolve. Policy - War 39-45 - United Kingdom
  • Creator:
    S.P.K.
  • Creation Year:
    Circa 1940
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 46.46 in (118 cm)Width: 31.5 in (80 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Good condition, traces of folds, on linen.
  • Gallery Location:
    PARIS, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1792212578952

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