An original French protest poster created in 1968 by the Atelier Populaire of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Entitled “Frey, Action Civique”, it was produced amid the political and social upheaval of the May–June 1968 demonstrations.
The stark composition depicts Roger Frey as an anonymous, shadowy figure dressed in a wide-brimmed hat and heavy overcoat. His name replaces his facial features, while a circular badge marked “Action Civique” heightens the image’s sinister, conspiratorial character.
The forceful inscription describes Frey as “Chief of the informers, murderer of Charonne, boss of the strike-breakers”. This deliberately provocative language refers to his former position as Minister of the Interior during the deadly police repression at Charonne in February 1962 and expresses the uncompromising rhetoric of the 1968 protest movement.
Screen-printed in black on paper, the poster demonstrates the direct visual language associated with the Atelier Populaire. Its restricted palette, simplified silhouette and hand-drawn lettering were designed for rapid production and immediate impact on the streets of Paris.
A powerful example of French political graphic design, this original poster captures the confrontational spirit of May 1968. Its collective authorship, historical subject and bold monochrome imagery make it an important document of twentieth-century protest culture.
Screen Printing
May 68 - Politics - France
Chief of the assassination of Charonne boss of strike breakers
Good condition, slight creases, small dirt
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