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1940 satirical poster by the French anti-totalitairian movement Paix et Liberté

1940

This bold and striking original poster, titled “Articles d’importation…”, was produced around 1950 by the French anti-communist organization Paix et Liberté. It stands as a dramatic artifact of Cold War propaganda, emblematic of the ideological battle waged in post-war Europe between democratic capitalism and Soviet-backed communism. The image features a brown briefcase emblazoned with the Soviet hammer and sickle, ominously opened to reveal a pistol and a set of colorful files labeled with the threats allegedly “imported” by communism: Troubles (Unrest) Sabotages Trahisons (Betrayals) Grèves politiques (Political Strikes) Agressions Rendered in bold color contrasts and menacing tones, the poster sends a clear message: communism, according to its creators, brings only violence, subversion, and political destabilization. The visual language is unmistakably designed to provoke anxiety, portraying the ideology not as a political alternative, but as a foreign-born virus—imported to corrupt national unity and peace. The poster was issued by Paix et Liberté, a French anti-communist propaganda group founded in 1950 by Jean-Paul David with backing from U.S. intelligence and support from various centrist and conservative factions in France. The organization was created at a time when the French Communist Party (PCF) enjoyed considerable popularity, particularly among workers and intellectuals, and when the Soviet Union’s influence loomed heavily over Europe. This work is a powerful example of Cold War visual rhetoric, using graphic design as a weapon in the psychological war against ideological opponents. The hammer and sickle becomes not just a symbol of another worldview, but a mark of treachery—its presence inside a briefcase evoking clandestine operations, infiltration, and national betrayal. Artistically, the poster is clean and direct, designed for mass appeal and clarity, much like other propaganda tools of the era. The use of heavy shadows, fiery red text, and the looming black background all contribute to a sense of covert danger and unease. Today, “Articles d’importation…” serves not only as a historical artifact from the peak of Cold War paranoia but also as a critical piece of political graphic art, reminding us how imagery and language can be mobilized to shape public sentiment, sow division, and influence the tides of democracy. Political - Cold war poster...

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