Le Captain Alfred Dreyfus
Year: 1899
Description: If Dreyfus was the embodiment of conservative evil, he was a hero to avant garde. There was little doubt on which side the artist stood.
Provenance: La Semaine littéraire, 1899
Barbarie. Civilisation.
Year: 1899
Description: It's all a matter of perspective. When a Chinese coolie strikes a French soldier the result is a public cry of "Barbarity!" But when a French soldier strikes a coolie, it's a necessary blow for civilization.
Provenance: Le Cri de Paris, 10 July 1899
L'Héritage
Year: 1899
Description: Commissioned for Le Figaro and published on the eve of the Twentieth Century, this color ink drawing depicts trepidly changing times. The Nineteenth Century is bundled in an old frock coat and shows concern for the direction of things. She says, "My poor girl, I told you to get rid of those things." The Twentieth Century responds, "Oh, I'm only thinking about the Exposition." She refers to the Exposition Universelle, the 1900 World's Fair. Fashion and attitudes are changing but she still needs an large special event to cover her genuine attitude.
Provenance: Le Figaro
The Augustinians
Year: 1901
Description: In the village after the discovery of great wealth in the hands of the local Augustinians, peasents continue to toil in poverty.
Provenance: Le Figaro
Priest and Beggar
Year: 1901
Description: Based on its style, this crayon drawing probably dates to around 1901. It strikes me as a preparatory drawing but for what, I don't know. It could be based on a contemporary event but Hermann-Paul was moving into book illustration around this time and it could have very well been for that purpose. It it unsigned but its provenance is impeccable. The drawing bears the stamp of the Chartres auction on the verso.
Generally, I don't publish works without a more thorough understanding but this one has me stumped and I hope to receive assistance from my readers. The man in the foreground whom I've identified as a beggar looks eerily familiar.
Provenance: Private Collection
The New Car
Year: 1909
Description: Watercolor, pen and ink. The date is based on the auto which strongly resembles a 1909 Delaunay-Belleville touring car.
Provenance: Commercial gallery, circa 1909
The Waiting
L'Attente
Year: 1910
Description: (Click the image in order to appreciate the full scene.)
Hermann-Paul held bureaucrats in particular scorn. In this scene, the next appointment is early and ready to fulfill his obligation. But it's not yet time for the scheduled meeting, so the official waits. He bides his time in smug satisfaction as moments slowly slip away. The official is little more than a theif. He steals time from an anxious man. There's no reason for this theft. He takes his time because he can.
This is a unusual composition. It measures 6-1/2 x 16" (17x41 cm).
Provenance: Private Collection
- Galerie Saint Georges, Paris (2015)
Goodbye To The Marne
Year: 1914
Description: In September 1914, the advancing German army reached the suburbs of Paris. Six French field armies launched a counter-offensive along the Marne River. In Paris, taxi cabs helped deliver men to the front. They were able to beat back the German advance. In this cartoon, Hermann-Paul advises the Germans to "take a last look at the Marne. You won't see it again."
Provenance: La Victorie
Conseils - Pendant la guerre
Year: 1915
Description: A Frenchman tips a Boche and a village smolders in the background. One must be alert in war and keep an watchful eye for traitors.
Provenance: Dorbonainé
Le Faux Berger (The False Shepard)
Year: 1915
Description: Another treachery. This time it is perpetrated by a spy in shepard's clothing...
Provenance: La Baïonnette, Issue #7 Issue #7 Leurs Espions, 19 August 1915
