Raoul Vion, “Justice and Divine Vengeance Pursuing Crime”, 1914, after Pierre-Paul Prud'hon

Raoul Vion (active 1909–1930)

“Justice and Divine Vengeance Pursuing Crime” (“La Justice et la Vengeance Divine poursuivant le Crime”), 1914 

Technical Details & Condition:

Multi-colour lithograph (pale blue, red, yellow, and black) executed in the “crayon-manner,” printed on heavy buff wove paper with exceptionally wide margins.

This impression features a dynamic, textured ink-spattering effect in the light blue background. Interestingly, this background treatment varies significantly from the lithograph held by the Yale University Art Museum, which shows a less extensive spread of this light blue stippling (see https://artgallery.yale.edu/collections/objects/309840).

While definitive publisher documentation is absent, the presence of a faint ink offset on the reverse side indicates a rapid, small-batch printing. This technique is highly characteristic of ephemeral wartime posters produced under urgent conditions.

The impression is strong, evenly inked, and well-pressed. The sheet is in pristine condition—entirely free of tears, pinholes, folds, abrasions, stains, or handling marks.

Historical Iconography & Context:

As inscribed in the plate/stone, the lithograph is based on a design by Pierre-Paul Prud'hon (1758–1823), who frequently employed patriotic, highly classical motifs featuring winged victories, Marianne-like figures, and Roman military iconography during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic eras.

Produced at the immediate outbreak of World War I, Vion repurposes Prud'hon’s classic theme of divine retribution to address the geopolitical crisis of 1914:

• The Allegory: Flying at the upper centre are two winged figures representing Justice and Vengeance. One brandishes a flaming torch while the other wields a dagger.
• Wartime Symbols: The figures carry national banners, most notably the British Union Jack emblazoned with the pivotal date “1914.”
• The Villain: Fleeing beneath them is a caricature of an angst ridden Kaiser Wilhelm II, clutching a bared sabre.
• The Landscape: The composition unfolds across an ominous landscape—flanked by a hopeful rising sun on the far left, contrasted against the red glow of a setting sun illuminating battlefield crosses on the right.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 57.5 x 47 cm
• Image area (approximately): 36 x 26.5 cm

In-Plate Lettering:

• Upper left (on flag): “1914”
• Lower right: “Raoul Vion 1914 / Inspiré du tableau / de Prud'hon [Inspired by Prud'hon's painting]”

Price & Shipping:
AU$226 (approximately US$159.08 / €137.95 / £119.32), including worldwide express shipping. Please note that import duties and taxes (if applicable) are the buyer’s responsibility.

To acquire this rare and large poster in pristine condition from the World War I, please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a smooth, protected transaction.

This print has been sold