Combattant africain Circa 1970

Created circa 1970 and signed “Netto” in the lower-right corner, this original political poster is generally known by the descriptive title Combattant africain, or African Fighter. As the design contains no printed slogan, named organization or national identification, the precise campaign for which it was produced remains unknown.

The composition is dominated by the portrait of a young African combatant carrying a rifle and wearing ammunition belts across his chest. His calm but determined expression gives the image a sense of dignity and resolve, presenting him as a symbol of armed resistance rather than depicting a specific battle.

Netto reduces the figure to powerful areas of black and white, set against horizontal bands of red and green. The limited palette, bold contrasts and stencil-like treatment create the immediate visual impact associated with the political and international solidarity posters of the period.

The poster was produced during an important period of African decolonization, when independence movements and liberation struggles were active across Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau and other territories. Without further identifying text, however, the image should be understood as a broader representation of African resistance rather than being attributed to one particular movement or country.

With its striking portrait, economical use of colour and strong political imagery, this rare original poster is an evocative example of circa-1970 revolutionary graphic design. It will appeal to collectors of African history, anti-colonial material, political posters and twentieth-century protest art.

Original Poster

Politics - Africa

Good condition, one fold, small tears