Salue d'abord, c'est l'auto de la Préfecture - Félix Vallotton

A biting 1901 satirical lithograph by Félix Vallotton, critiquing state authority and social inequality in early twentieth-century France.

This lithograph by Félix Vallotton appeared in the satirical weekly magazine L'Assiette au Beurre in 1901. The image depicts a grim scene where a motorcar has struck a pedestrian, while two police officers stand nearby, seemingly indifferent to the victim. The caption, 'Salue d'abord, c'est l'auto de la Préfecture' (Salute first, it is the Prefecture's car), serves as a biting critique of the social hierarchy and the impunity enjoyed by state authorities in early twentieth-century France. Vallotton employs his characteristic graphic style, defined by bold, flat areas of colour and heavy black outlines. The composition is stark and direct, stripping away unnecessary detail to focus on the power imbalance between the state and the individual. The yellow of the car provides a jarring contrast to the muted tones of the street and the dark uniforms of the police. The victim, positioned at the bottom of the frame, is rendered with a sense of vulnerability that contrasts with the rigid, upright figures of the officers. As a member of the Nabis group, Vallotton was known for his ability to distil complex social observations into simplified, impactful visual forms. This work demonstrates his capacity for social commentary, using the medium of the popular press to reach a wide audience. The print reflects the anxieties of the era regarding the rapid modernisation of transport and the perceived corruption within the Parisian police force. By removing depth and perspective, Vallotton forces the viewer to confront the narrative directly, without the distraction of atmospheric effects or painterly flourishes. The work remains a sharp example of political satire from the turn of the century, demonstrating the artist's technical precision and his critical eye for the social tensions of his time.