Banco di Roma 1920 Souscrivez à l' Emprunt National du Trésor Français

Created in 1920, this original poster by Orth was printed in colour lithography to promote subscriptions to the French Treasury’s National Loan through the Banco di Roma. The poster directs investors to the bank’s Paris branch at 15 rue de Choiseul, where subscriptions were accepted without charge until 20 March.

The campaign was launched during the difficult period of recovery that followed the First World War. National loans encouraged private citizens to place their savings at the service of the country, helping France address its financial obligations and reconstruction needs. By participating in the campaign, the Italian Banco di Roma presented itself as an active supporter of French recovery and Franco-Italian economic cooperation.

The composition combines French financial advertising with imagery inspired by ancient Rome. An allegorical female figure wearing a classical gown and crested helmet stands before a panoramic view of Roman monuments, including the Colosseum. Holding a palm branch—a traditional emblem of victory—she raises her other hand in a commanding yet reassuring gesture.

Below the image appears a quotation attributed to the French poet Alphonse de Lamartine: “C’est la cendre des morts qui créa la patrie”—“It is the ashes of the dead that created the fatherland.” The phrase connects wartime sacrifice with national renewal, while the French tricolour ribbon beneath the subscription notice reinforces the patriotic message. Warm ochre tones and refined drawing give the poster the character of an elegant historical allegory.

The design is signed simply “Orth,” and little reliable biographical information about the artist has been recorded. Nevertheless, its distinctive combination of Roman symbolism, French patriotism and postwar financial history makes this an evocative collector’s piece. It will appeal particularly to collectors of banking posters, First World War history, Franco-Italian subjects and early 20th-century European advertising.

Original poster

Economy - Banking - 14-18 - Italy

It is the ash of the dead that created the Fatherland (Lamartine) - National borrowing of the French Treasury

FRAC Paris

Good condition, small tears on the edges