CHAVAL
It is time for a break from the depths of philosophy, poetry and egomania to move to the depths of cartooning. I think the greatest cartoons take us to the same profound zone as the best explorations of the philosophers or poets. Or, at least, to a wiser understanding of life and human nature. And they penetrate our armor with humor, an irresistible method.
Generally speaking, I have found European cartoonists to have more of the qualities I admire although there are also other nationalities worth considering. The most powerful work is done without words or captions. I think of Chaval, Sine and Bosc as examples. Below is a selection of works by Chaval, civil name Yvan Francis Le Louarn (1915-1968) He died by suicide in Paris in his sealed apartment, leaving a note on the door "Mind the gas."
Until recently I wasn't aware of antisemitic cartoons he produced during the Nazi occupation of France. I haven't been able to find any images but a description of one at https://johnpwalshblog.com/2013/04/23/french-cartoonist-feted-then-revealed-as-nazi-collaborator-chaval-and-the-purpose-of-art-history-and-exhibitions/ is as follows:
In a June 5, 2008 article Professor Ory described Chaval’s wartime cartoons as “compelling” of racist anti-Semitism. One published Chaval wartime cartoon Professor Ory described—and the Bordeaux fine arts museum director confirmed its existence—shows two figures with exaggerated noses and wearing yellow stars on their coats. One of them wears two yellow stars and says to the other: “He made me a good price!”
Here's a Chaval which can have an extra resonance in our plague time although he was just finding a humorous visual commonality, I believe.
I show the rest without comment, resisting the temptation to add words to
his wordless portrayal of human nature and behavior.
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