Published in 1945, this original French photographic poster was issued by the Ministry of War’s Army Cinematographic Service. Number three in the official La France fait la guerre series, it documents the liberation of Colmar and celebrates the restored presence of the French Army in Alsace.
Colmar was liberated on 2 February 1945 following intense winter fighting against the remaining German forces in the region. The French First Army, commanded by General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny and supported by American troops, played a central role in reducing the Colmar Pocket—one of the final major campaigns fought on French soil during the Second World War.
The poster adopts the appearance of a large illustrated newspaper. Ten black-and-white photographs record the advance of infantry and armoured vehicles, the entrance of French tanks into the city, damaged streets, returning flags and the enthusiastic reception given to the liberating troops. Other images show military reviews and the visit of General de Gaulle and Minister of War André Diethelm.
Short captions guide the viewer through the events, transforming the sequence into an official narrative of military progress and national victory. The Cross of Lorraine beside the commanding blue title recalls Free France, while the vivid orange-red framework gives the photographic montage an immediate visual impact.
Rather than promoting the work of an individual artist, this poster represents official French military communication at the end of the war, combining documentary photography with patriotic propaganda. It is a compelling historical piece for collectors of Second World War posters, French military history, the Liberation of Alsace, Colmar memorabilia and early photographic reportage.
Original Poster
War 39-45 - Alsace
Liberation of Colmar - Cinematographic Service of the Army - Cross of Lorraine
Good condition, traces of folds
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