Left Wing/Right Wing

During the French revolution of 1789-1799, elected representatives gathered in a National Assembly to debate and decide the affairs of the nation. The more conservative forces (initially defenders of the monarchy) seated themselves in the right wing of the hall. The populist opposition occupied the left wing. From that seating arrangement come our terms “right wing” and “left wing,” for those who protect the privileges of the powerful and those who defend the interests of the excluded.

This poster is a vintage 17×22″ screen print from Ricardo’s time as part of the Northland Poster Collective.