EXTREMELY RARE POSTER – “Dreyfus is Innocent” Dreyfus Affair (1898)

$3,800.00

1 in stock

EXTREMELY RARE POSTER – “Dreyfus is Innocent” (1898)

Presenting an extremely rare poster of immense historical significance from the era of the “Dreyfus Affair.” Printed in France around 1898 (E. Charaire Printing House, Sceaux), this original piece stands as a powerful visual testament to the public struggle for justice, and serves as a vital artifact from one of the most turbulent political and antisemitic storms in modern history.

Historical Background & Importance: The Dreyfus Affair began in 1894 when Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish artillery officer in the French army, was falsely accused of treason and exiled to Devil’s Island. This poster was published at the height of the public campaign to clear his name. Its true importance lies in its function as a public declaration of honor for the “Dreyfusards”—the brave politicians, intellectuals, and military figures who risked their careers and reputations to expose corruption, combat antisemitism, and save an innocent man.

Visual Details & Featured Figures: The broadside features the dramatic headline in bold red: “DREYFUS EST INNOCENT – LES DÉFENSEURS DU DROIT, DE LA JUSTICE ET DE LA VÉRITÉ” (Dreyfus is Innocent – The Defenders of Law, Justice, and Truth), flanked by the patriotic rallying cries “Vive la France!” and “Vive la République!”.

The design showcases eleven striking portraits of Dreyfus’s most prominent supporters, each accompanied by a notable quote:

• Front and Center: Lieutenant-Colonel Georges Picquart, the courageous intelligence officer who uncovered the forged evidence against Dreyfus (featuring his famous quote: “I will not take such a secret to the grave with me”).

• Surrounding Giants of the Era: The layout includes literary icon Émile Zola, prominent politician Georges Clemenceau, Jewish-French journalist Bernard Lazare, socialist leader Jean Jaurès, and defense attorney Fernand Labori.

• Additional Key Figures: Auguste Scheurer-Kestner, Yves Guyot, L. Trarieux, Joseph Reinach, and Francis de Pressensé.

• At the bottom, a sharp and uncompromising condemnation reads: “A BAS LES TRAITRES!” (Down with the Traitors!).

Dimensions & Condition:

• Dimensions: 64 x 46 cm (approx. 25.2 x 18.1 inches).

• Condition: In good condition relative to its age. There are some minor repairs on the poster, and it is linen-backed on canvas. This archival-quality canvas backing ensures the structural stability of the fragile 19th-century paper, protecting it from creases and future wear. It is professionally preserved and ready for framing or direct gallery display.

Bibliography: A photograph of this exact poster design is documented in professional historical literature, appearing as image No. 8.5 (page 147) in the book The Dreyfus Affair, published by the Dreyfus Affair Centennial Committee in 1994