Souscrivez pour la victoire 1916

The 1916 original poster by Richard Gutz, titled "Souscrivez pour la victoire - Banque nationale de crédit", is an evocative piece of wartime propaganda produced during the height of World War I. Its message, urging citizens to subscribe to war bonds through the Banque Nationale de Crédit, taps into the powerful emotions of patriotism and collective effort, encouraging the public to financially support the war effort.

At the center of the poster is a striking allegorical figure of Marianne, the personification of the French Republic. She is depicted soaring across the battlefield, draped in the French tricolore, with her arm extended forward in a commanding and heroic gesture. Her wings, both angelic and symbolic of freedom, sweep across the poster, lending a sense of urgency and divine support to the French cause. Marianne leads an army of soldiers advancing in her wake, their bayonets raised as they charge toward victory, embodying the unrelenting spirit of the French military.

In the background, the battlefield is chaotic and filled with smoke, suggesting the intensity and devastation of war. The trenches, filled with injured and fallen soldiers, emphasize the cost of the ongoing conflict. Despite the harrowing scene below, the presence of Marianne above, imbued with hope and strength, promises that victory is within reach if the public contributes to the war effort through subscriptions.

The poster's visual impact is enhanced by its bold, patriotic colors, with the red, white, and blue of the French flag standing out vibrantly against the more muted, war-torn landscape. The use of dynamic movement, seen in the billowing flag and the forward momentum of both Marianne and the soldiers, creates a sense of action and determination. The slogan "Souscrivez pour la victoire" (Subscribe for Victory) reinforces the connection between financial contributions and the ultimate success of the war.

This work by Richard Gutz is not only a call to arms but also a masterpiece of early 20th-century propaganda art. It reflects the widespread use of visual media to inspire national unity and encourage public participation in wartime efforts, particularly in financing the war through bond drives. Posters like this were essential tools in shaping public perception and mobilizing resources, blending artistry with political messaging to create a lasting impact on the home front.

Today, this 1916 poster stands as a poignant reminder of the role that art and design played in wartime morale, and it is revered both as a historical artifact and an example of effective propaganda from the World War I era.

Original poster

War - Economy - 14-18 - France

National Credit Bank

Devambez Paris

Good condition