"Justice" from the "The Suffragette"

Today is March 8th, so we celebrate International Women's Day with a fantastic poster from the times of suffrage.

This poster depicts an important historical periodical related to the women's suffrage movement, The Suffragette. The illustration features a woman representing "Justice," clad in armor and holding a banner emblazoned with the letters "W.S.P.U." for the Women's Social and Political Union. The WSPU was one of the most prominent organizations advocating for women's right to vote in the United Kingdom, led by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters, including Christabel Pankhurst, who edited the periodical.

The figure of Justice is portrayed with a sword in one hand and the banner in the other, signifying strength, determination, and the battle for women's rights. The imagery of the armored woman evokes a sense of militancy and resolve, emphasizing the persistence and courage of women in their fight for equal rights. The green and purple color scheme is symbolic of the suffrage movement, with these colors representing dignity and justice for women.

H. M. Dallas designed the poster to capture the essence of the suffragette struggle—combining the symbolic figure of Justice with the direct, purposeful message of the suffrage movement. The advertisement for The Suffragette periodical, priced at 1 penny, helped spread the message of women's rights and was an important tool in rallying support for the suffrage cause. This poster is a testament to visual art's power in advocating for political change and women's rights during the early 20th century.

P.S. Today is also the last day of our Women's Day Sale, so head up to our online DailyArt Shop and enjoy shopping up to 25% off! 

P.P.S. If you think art history is only about male artists, think again! Meet 10 brilliant women artists forgotten by art history! If you feel like an expert in female art history, test yourself in this Women Artists QUIZ!