Loterie Nationale tranche du tourisme 1940

The 1940 original poster by Derouet Lesacq for Loterie Nationale is a remarkable example of wartime propaganda, designed to encourage public participation in national efforts while maintaining a focus on leisure and tourism. Created during a period when France was dealing with the aftermath of World War II, this poster is both a piece of advertising and a form of escapism, highlighting the significance of tourism while subtly promoting the Loterie Nationale, a key government initiative.

By 1940, the Loterie Nationale had become a vital source of funding for various governmental projects, including the reconstruction of the country in the aftermath of the war. The Loterie Nationale was an integral part of the French national economy, and the poster aimed to encourage citizens to support it by participating in the lottery. The success of these lotteries helped fund the rebuilding of infrastructure and other essential services at a critical time.

Derouet Lesacq, known for his impactful artistic style, was tasked with creating a visual identity that would capture the public’s attention while maintaining a sense of optimism during a challenging period. The poster draws attention to tourism, presenting it as a form of escape from the difficult realities of the time. Through this message, the poster invites viewers to invest in both their personal happiness and the collective good by participating in the Loterie Nationale.

The poster evokes the joy of vacation and relaxation, providing a stark contrast to the hardships and constraints of daily life during wartime. By promoting tourism, the poster suggests that purchasing a lottery ticket could be a means of bringing people closer to these dreams of freedom and adventure, all while supporting a cause that would help France recover.

While the immediate goal of the Loterie Nationale poster was to increase participation in the lottery, its broader purpose was also to contribute to the morale of the French people. By promoting the joys of tourism and escapism, the poster served as a reminder that better days were ahead and that the French public had the power to make a difference through their participation in national initiatives.

As a wartime artifact, this poster is not only a piece of advertising art but also a reflection of the era’s societal and political context. It shows how marketing, even in times of hardship, can be used to uplift the spirit and engage citizens in a national cause. The Loterie Nationale poster stands as an important example of how visual communication can bridge the gap between personal aspiration and collective effort, using the idea of tourism as a form of relief and renewal for a nation in recovery.

The 1940 Derouet Lesacq poster remains a significant piece of French propaganda and advertising history, illustrating how art and commerce can work together to support national ideals and promote public participation in times of need. Through its creative design and its role in encouraging the public to engage in the lottery, the poster is a lasting reminder of France’s resilience during a challenging period in its history.

Original Poster

Economy - Tourism

Astoria London - Bruxelles Palace Hotel - Hotel du refuge Megève - Le Lido Venise

Printed by Lafayette in Paris

Good condition, traces of folds