On les aura! (We'll get them!)
Propaganda Poster / Lithographic Print on paper mounted on support • Jules Abel Faivre (1867–1945), a prominent French painter and illustrator
Style & Movement
Realism / War Propaganda Art
Medium & Technique
Lithography; black and white (grisaille) stone lithograph using hatched lines and tonal shading to mimic charcoal or crayon drawing
Creation Period
1916 (World War I era)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 114 x 80 cm (large format); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
The poster features a French soldier ('Poilu') in his signature Adrian helmet, holding a rifle and gesturing forward/upward with a triumphant expression. The text reads '2e Emprunt de la Défense Nationale. Souscrivez.' (2nd National Defense Loan. Subscribe.) and includes General Pétain's famous rallying cry, 'On les aura!' Written during the Battle of Verdun.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair. The paper shows visible yellowing and tonal oxidation consistent with age and acidic paper stock typical of wartime production.
Estimated Market Value
$600 - $1,200 USD (depending on whether it is an original 1916 printing or a later high-quality reproduction)
Auction Estimate
$400 - $900 USD
Provenance History
Originally commissioned by the French government for the National Defense Loan; likely distributed widely across France in 1916. Current example appears to be in a private collection (possibly a restaurant or wine cellar given the surroundings).
Art Historical Significance
This is one of the most iconic images of the First World War. It successfully personified the resilience of the French infantryman and is considered a masterpiece of persuasive graphic design, used to boost civilian morale and financial support for the war effort.
Notable Features
Includes the printer's mark 'Devambez, Imp. Paris' at the bottom center. The expressive, sketch-like quality of the soldier is a hallmark of Faivre’s stylistic approach to emotional mobilization.
Condition Issues
Visible browning/foxing, fold lines characteristic of distributed posters, and potential light damage from being framed without UV-protective glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend de-acidification by a paper conservator, mounting on linen (if not already), and re-framing with acid-free matting and UV-filtering glass to prevent further darkening.