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Taisez vous...

Poster
1945 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In this poster, French citizens are warned to continue their vigilance with regard to careless talk. Though the Second World War was in its final stages, it remained imperative that people stay prudent and not leak valuable information. The spy is characterised here as a sinister figure looming in the shadows. Though partly concealed, his spying attributes of eavesdropping and observation are visualised through his prominent monocle and ear poised for listening.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleTaisez vous... (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
printing
Brief description
World War II poster warning against careless talk, risk of foreign espionage. France, 1945.
Physical description
Red portrait of an East Asian (likely Japanese) man's face. He wears a high-collared shirt and a monocle with white reflections. He holds out his prominent red ear with his palm.
Dimensions
  • Height: 60cm
  • Width: 39.8cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • taisez vous... (yellow on green/ red)
    Translation
    be quiet...
  • l'Allemand a fui, (black on green)
    Translation
    the German fled,
  • L'ESPION RESTE! (red on green)
    Translation
    THE SPY REMAINS
  • Ministère de la Guerre - Direction des Services de Presse
  • M. MALLET/ 45 (artist's signature)
  • Dépot Légal No 42 (lower left)
  • Éditions C.P. (lower right)
  • IMP. HENON PARIS 4-45 (vertical left margin)
  • C.O.L. 11.02.82- (vertical right margin)
Credit line
Gift of the American Friends of the V&A; Gift to the American Friends by Leslie, Judith and Gabri Schreyer and Alice Schreyer Batko
Subjects depicted
Places depicted
Summary
In this poster, French citizens are warned to continue their vigilance with regard to careless talk. Though the Second World War was in its final stages, it remained imperative that people stay prudent and not leak valuable information. The spy is characterised here as a sinister figure looming in the shadows. Though partly concealed, his spying attributes of eavesdropping and observation are visualised through his prominent monocle and ear poised for listening.
Other number
LS.1689 - Leslie Schreyer Loan Number
Collection
Accession number
E.699-2004

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Record createdSeptember 25, 2004
Record URL
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