Videgrain, for Francois Rabelais, Pantagruel, 1943
André Derainexpand_more
Color woodcut (white line)expand_more
Gift of the Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Foundationexpand_more 2023.71
Not on Viewexpand_more
During Word War II, while Paris was occupied by Nazi forces, André Derain prepared illustrations for an editon of the famous 16th-century French satire "Pantagruel" by François Rabelais (1494-1554). Videgrain, shown in this colorful woodcut, was the great grandfather of the title character. Though the illustrations have a childlike playfulness, with graphic qualities resembling playing cards, the project was patriotic and provocative, since Rabelais's work was an icon of French culture and dealt with the humiliating defeat of a foreign occupier. Derain's work drew the attention of the Nazis. His home was visited regularly by the Gestapo and for a while his woodblocks were confiscated.
Details
- Title
- Videgrain, for Francois Rabelais, Pantagruel
- Artist Life
- 1880 - 1954
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2023.71
- Curator Approved
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