Souscrivez au IVeme emprunt et le drapeau tricolore, à Strasbourg annoncera au monde le règne de la paix, de la liberté et de la justice 1918

This powerful 1918 original French war loan poster, created by Alsatian illustrator Hansi (the pseudonym of Jean-Jacques Waltz), is a poignant call to action and a visual beacon of national hope at the close of the First World War.

Commissioned for the Fourth National Defense Loan (IVe Emprunt), the poster urges citizens to subscribe in support of the French war effort. The text declares:
"Souscrivez au IVème Emprunt et le drapeau tricolore, à Strasbourg, annoncera au monde le règne de la Paix, de la Liberté et de la Justice."
(“Subscribe to the 4th Loan and the tricolour flag, in Strasbourg, will announce to the world the reign of Peace, Liberty and Justice.”)

Rendered in Hansi’s signature illustrative style, the image depicts French soldiers gazing across a serene Alsatian valley toward Strasbourg Cathedral, bathed in golden light and crowned with the French tricolore. A glorious dawn breaks over a liberated land, with French troops reclaiming Alsace-Lorraine after years of German annexation. The framing of the scene with a blooming border evokes Alsace’s unique identity, while the soldiers’ calm vigil suggests both sacrifice and triumph.

Hansi, an ardent French patriot and native of Alsace, infused the work with personal and political meaning. The poster transcends propaganda—becoming a symbol of regional liberation, national pride, and the promise of peace.

A rare and emotional artifact from the final year of WWI, this poster remains an exceptional example of illustrated war-time art—bridging graphic elegance and political conviction.

War - Economy - 14-18 - France

Alsace - Colmar

Printed by Lapina in Paris

Very good condition