Journée de l'Armée d'Afrique ....

Paris: Devambez Imp., 1917. First (only) edition.. Mounted on linen; small gap in blank margin near title has been expertly repaired.. Large multi-color lithographic poster that meas. appx. 119 x 79 cm.

The image covers the entire sheet. The title is placed separately across the bottom in red outlined black. A Senegalese 'tirailleur', with his rifle held aloft, charges in to battle. Two French 'poilus' and an Indo-Chinese soldier stand left, beside a blossoming tree. A second Senegalese soldier stands background right. There is a circular text stamp at the lower left: L Jonas Cette affiche ne peut être vendue: Des épreuves spéciales sont en vente au bénéfice de la 'JOURNÉE' à la Maison DEVAMBEZ 43, Bd Malesherbes PARIS JOURNÉE DE L'ARMÉE D'AFRIQUE ET DES TROUPES COLONIALES DEVAMBEZ, PARIS [This poster may not be sold: special proofs are on sale for the benefit of the 'Day' at the offices of Devambez ... African Army and Colonial Troops Day]. The poster was created for a one day nation-wide fund-raising event for charities supporting the LArmee DAfrique. African troops fought in independent units but as the war dragged on, they were assimilated into European regiments. The French frequently referred to their troupes indigenes (indigenous troops) as volunteers, but most were conscripted. Exhibited at the Boston Athenaeum in 2014 in a show named "Over Here ...."; see also Campbell, The Wounded World ....; Seche, Les Noirs.