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Unknown1951 original poster by the French anti-communist group "Paix et Liberté"1951
1951
$3,201.62
£2,379.06
€2,700
CA$4,431.23
A$4,934.53
CHF 2,576.43
MX$59,791
NOK 32,491.53
SEK 30,658.32
DKK 20,558.29
About the Item
The original 1951 poster by the French anti-communist group "Paix et Liberté" titled "Voter Communiste c'est voter pour l'occupation russe" (Voting Communist is Voting for Russian Occupation) is a compelling example of political propaganda during the early Cold War era. This poster, marked by its striking visual rhetoric and clear political message, encapsulates the intense ideological battles of the time.
"Paix et Liberté" was an organization established in 1950 by Jean-Paul David in France, with the primary goal of countering communist influence and propaganda. The group was active during a period when the Cold War tensions between the Western bloc, led by the United States, and the Eastern bloc, dominated by the Soviet Union, were at their peak. In this context, the poster served as a stark warning to the French public about the perceived dangers of communism and Soviet expansionism.
The poster features bold, attention-grabbing graphics and colors designed to elicit an emotional response from the viewer. At its center, a large, menacing figure representing Soviet power looms over France, symbolizing the threat of communist domination. The choice of imagery is deliberate, aiming to evoke fear and urgency. The figure's aggressive posture and the visual association with military occupation underscore the message that a vote for the Communist Party in France is equivalent to endorsing foreign domination.
The slogan "Voter Communiste c'est voter pour l'occupation russe" is prominently displayed, ensuring that the message is unambiguous and direct. The use of the word "occupation" is particularly powerful, as it conjures memories of the recent Nazi occupation of France during World War II, thereby associating communism with oppression and loss of sovereignty.
This piece of propaganda was part of a broader strategy by "Paix et Liberté" to influence public opinion through various media, including posters, pamphlets, and radio broadcasts. The organization sought to portray communism as a clear and present danger to French democracy and independence. By leveraging the fear of Soviet influence, the poster aimed to dissuade voters from supporting the French Communist Party, which was then a significant political force in France.
The design elements of the poster, including its use of stark contrasts, dramatic imagery, and bold typography, are characteristic of mid-20th century propaganda art. These elements work together to create a sense of immediacy and danger, compelling viewers to consider the political implications of their vote.
In the broader context of art and propaganda, this poster exemplifies how visual art can be used as a powerful tool for political persuasion. It reflects the anxieties and ideological conflicts of its time, providing insight into the methods used by anti-communist movements to counteract Soviet influence.
Politics - Propaganda
Peace and freedom
- Creation Year:1951
- Dimensions:Height: 60.63 in (154 cm)Width: 46.46 in (118 cm)
- Medium:
- Period:
- Condition:Good condition, traces of folds, gaps, on linen.
- Gallery Location:PARIS, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1792214680732
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View AllCirca 1950 original poster by French anti-communist organization Paix et Liberté
Located in PARIS, FR
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:
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Sabotages
Trahisons (Betrayals)
Grèves politiques (Political Strikes)
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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.
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