Trois Couleurs un Drapeau un Empire 1941

The 1941 original poster, "Trois couleurs, un drapeau, un empire" by Eric, edited by the Secrétariat aux Colonies, is a striking piece of wartime propaganda that encapsulates France’s colonial ideology and imperial ambitions during a tumultuous period in its history.

Published under the Vichy regime during World War II, the poster reflects the government's efforts to rally support for its vision of a unified French Empire. The title, “Trois couleurs, un drapeau, un empire” (Three colors, one flag, one empire), underscores the central theme of unity under the French Tricolore, symbolizing a nation bound together by its colonies and metropolitan France. At a time when France’s sovereignty was under threat and much of the country was occupied by German forces, this message served as a tool to project strength, continuity, and pride in France’s global reach.

The Secrétariat aux Colonies, the government body overseeing France’s vast colonial territories, played a critical role in disseminating such visual propaganda. The poster likely aimed to affirm the idea that the French colonial empire—spanning Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific—remained intact despite the crisis at home. It also conveyed the message that France’s colonies were vital contributors to the motherland, whether through economic resources, cultural heritage, or military support.

Eric, the artist behind this work, was adept at creating visually compelling images that communicated complex political and cultural messages. His style here reflects the artistic language of wartime propaganda: bold, direct, and emotionally resonant. The emphasis on national unity and imperial pride speaks to the Vichy regime's broader narrative of a rejuvenated and centralized French state.

This poster serves as a historical artifact, offering insight into the interplay between art, politics, and colonial ideology in France during the early 1940s. It reflects the aspirations and contradictions of a government attempting to maintain its colonial dominance and national identity amidst the upheaval of war and occupation.

Original Poster

Colony - Military

Secretariat for colonies

Good condition