Joinville 1248–1948: The Seventh Centennial of the Crusade Departure RE803210

Joinville 1248–1948: The Seventh Centennial of the Crusade Departure

A Majestic Poster Commemorating Eight Centuries of French Chivalric Legacy

Against a bold and arresting vermilion sky, a knight in stylised black armour steadies his spear and stead, his countenance noble and composed, his silhouette crowned with a radiant sun. Designed by the celebrated Pierre Fix-Masseau, this 1948 poster announces a pageant of immense historical significance: the 700th anniversary of Jean Sire de Joinville’s departure on the Seventh Crusade — a journey that would forever bind the medieval town of Joinville with the legend of King Louis IX.

A Tribute in Ink and Flame

Rendered in stark tones of black, white, and gold — and punctuated by that monumental crusader’s cross in blazing yellow — this artwork does not merely inform; it compels. The aesthetic is that of grandeur reduced to its elemental force: knight, horse, sun, and shield. The modernist geometry of the forms gives it a bold clarity, while the echoes of medieval heraldry ground it firmly in the romance of the 13th century.

In place of intricate baroque detail, we have abstraction in service of storytelling. Note how the curved shield becomes the canvas for the date “1248–1948,” boldly set like a commemorative tablet. This is not merely a poster, but an annunciation — a rallying call for remembrance, honour, and historical celebration.

For Whom This Is Meant

This stunning commemorative piece is ideal for:

• Historians and collectors of French medieval history, particularly those fascinated by the Crusades and regional noble lineages such as the Lords of Joinville.

• Devotees of modernist poster design, especially those familiar with the minimalist school of mid-20th-century French graphic art.

• Francophiles and patriots, who understand Joinville not only as a commune in Haute-Marne, but as a symbol of feudal devotion and religious fervour.

• Interior decorators and stylists seeking bold, intellectual artwork to elevate a study, salon, or heritage-themed space.

• Curators and educators, who wish to exhibit the nexus of tradition, modernism, and public memory in post-war France.

The Occasion Itself

Held over three days — 10th to 12th July, 1948 — the celebrations marked a full seven centuries since Jean de Joinville rode east in service of the Cross. The programme included archaeological exhibitions, a grand historical parade, and a series of festivities designed to awaken the soul to heritage. It was not merely a civic celebration; it was a reaffirmation of cultural memory.

Poster Specifications

• Printed on 200 gsm premium heavyweight paper, semi-gloss finish with a silk-like texture

• Humidity and scratch resistant, crafted to endure time with dignity

• Proudly made in the United Kingdom

• Format ideal for archival framing, gallery display, or collector’s wall

“In the golden glow of memory and the black steel of resolve, this knight rides not merely into battle — but into legend.”
— David Harrison