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

Yvonne Colas
1918 original poster "Break your sugar in half today to have some tomorrow"

1918

$881.62
£655.19
€750
CA$1,210.69
A$1,362.84
CHF 721.10
MX$16,904.41
NOK 8,908.67
SEK 8,520.36
DKK 5,707.28
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

This 1918 original poster, designed by Yvonne Colas, is a compelling piece of World War I propaganda, urging civilians to ration sugar to ensure future supplies. Created during a time of widespread food shortages, this artwork embodies the French wartime spirit of sacrifice, foresight, and collective responsibility. The illustration features a carefully divided sugar cube, symbolizing the importance of moderation and planning for tomorrow. The warm, muted tones and delicate composition contrast with the urgency of the message, making it an effective yet gentle reminder of the necessity of frugality. The slogan, "Casse aujourd'hui ton sucre en deux pour en avoir demain" ("Break your sugar in half today to have some tomorrow"), delivers a direct appeal to the public, emphasizing the need to ration essential goods for both immediate survival and long-term stability. This was particularly crucial during WWI, when supplies were limited, and civilian cooperation played a critical role in supporting the war effort. As part of a broader initiative, this poster was "Composée par les Enfants de France" ("Composed by the Children of France"), reinforcing the idea that even the youngest members of society were engaged in the national call for prudence and economic discipline. The bandeau at the bottom, issued by the Comité National de Prévoyance et d'Économies and the Union Française, underscores how wartime conservation efforts were a national priority. This poster is a rare and evocative piece of WWI-era French propaganda, serving as a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the home front. Collectors and historians will appreciate its historical significance, striking design, and powerful social message, which remain relevant in discussions of rationing, sustainability, and collective responsibility. A poignant reminder of how small sacrifices can contribute to a greater cause. Agriculture - 14-18 - Gastronomy Rare with its explanatory banner at the bottom - composed by the children of France Union francaise Paris
  • Creator:
    Yvonne Colas
  • Creation Year:
    1918
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 31.5 in (80 cm)Width: 14.97 in (38 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Good condition, small tears.
  • Gallery Location:
    PARIS, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1792215893982

More From This Seller

View All
1898 illustrated program by Maxime Dethomas - théâtre de l'oeuvre
By Maxime Dethomas
Located in PARIS, FR
This exceptional 1898 illustrated program by Maxime Dethomas was created for La Victoire, a five-act tragedy by Saint-Georges de Bouhélier, presented at the legendary Théâtre de l’Œu...
Category

1890s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Circa 1950 original poster that promotes Bled—Slovenia’s alpine jewel
Located in PARIS, FR
A masterwork of mid-century graphic design, this evocative travel poster from circa 1950 promotes Bled—Slovenia’s alpine jewel nestled in the former Yugoslavia. Designed during a tim...
Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Jean Decroix’s 1964 original poster for the Emprunt SNCF
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Decroix’s 1964 design for Emprunt SNCF predates his 1965 work, yet it already showcases a confident visual language steeped in the visual economy of the time. With sharp composi...
Category

1960s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Darigo’s 1977 Bons SNCF Lots Kilomètres original poster
Located in PARIS, FR
Darigo’s 1977 Bons SNCF Lots Kilomètres poster embodies the fun and ingenuity that defined SNCF’s approach to customer engagement during the late 1970s. Through vibrant visuals and p...
Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

1972 soviet poster by the legendary Viktor Koretsky - Let’s Preserve and Raise!
By Viktor Koretsky
Located in PARIS, FR
A luminous artifact of Soviet visual propaganda, this 1972 poster by the legendary Viktor Koretsky embodies the powerful optimism and ideological clarity of late-stage socialist real...
Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

1969 original poster for SNCF by Eric - kilometer lots
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed by the artist Eric in 1969, this promotional SNCF poster captures the spirit of leisure and movement in postwar France. Titled Gagnez Vos Voyages! Lots Kilomètres, the poste...
Category

1960s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

You May Also Like

Joan Miró - MARAVILLAS CON VARIACIONES... Lithograph Contemporary Art Abstract
By Joan Miró
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Joan Miró - Maravillas con variaciones acrósticas en el jardín de Miró VII Date of creation: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on Gvarro paper Edition: 1500 Size: 49,5 x 71 cm Observations: Li...
Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Joan Miró - MARAVILLAS CON VARIACIONES... Lithograph Contemporary Art Abstract
By Joan Miró
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Joan Miró - Maravillas con variaciones acrósticas en el jardín de Miró VIII Date of creation: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on Gvarro paper Edition: 1500 Size: 49,5 x 35,5 cm Condition: In...
Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

HOMAGE TO FRANCIS BACON: STUDY FOR HEAD OF GEORGE DYER Gold Superflat Japan Pop
By Takashi Murakami
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Takashi Murakami HOMAGE TO FRANCIS BACON: STUDY FOR HEAD OF GEORGE DYER Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Offset lithograph with cold foil stamp on paper Edition: 300 Size: 50 x 50 cm ...
Category

2010s Pop Art Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph, Offset, Paper

TAKASHI MURAKAMI: Chaos: Primordial Life - Superflat, Japanese Pop Art
By Takashi Murakami
Located in Madrid, Madrid
CHAOS: PRIMORDIAL LIFE Date of creation: 2017 Medium: Offset lithograph with cold stamp on paper Edition: 300 Size: 68 x 68 cm Condition: In mint conditions, brand new and never fram...
Category

2010s Pop Art Figurative Prints

Materials

Varnish, Lithograph, Offset, Paper

René Magritte - LA VALSE HESITATION. Limited Surrealism French Contemporary
By (after) René Magritte
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LA VALSE HESITATION, 1950 (THE HESITATION WALTZ) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 131/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: New,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

HOMAGE TO FRANCIS BACON: STUDY FOR HEAD OF ISABEL RAWSTHORNE Gold Superflat Pop
By Takashi Murakami
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Takashi Murakami HOMAGE TO FRANCIS BACON: STUDY FOR HEAD OF ISABEL RAWSTHORNE Date of creation: 2016 Medium: Offset lithograph with cold foil stamp on paper Edition: 300 Size: 50 x ...
Category

2010s Pop Art Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph, Offset, Paper