This original artwork for a poster was intended to motivate the postwar French populace to invest in national defense vouchers. It’s executed in a similar manner to Colin’s famed 1944 Liberation poster (see No. 145). But where that poster presents its forward-looking Marianne figure still bearing the stigmatic wounds of German barbarism, this rock-solid Marianne is completely healed (at least on the outside), with reconstruction in full swing behind her, and an eye-shielding forward gaze that doubles as a salute to those working fiercely to put France on a path to total recovery. It’s a powerful expression of national resilience and pride.
Signed gouache and ink maquette. Framed.
literature: PAI-XLIX, 240