Biography
Guy Arnoux, born August 26, 1886 in Paris 7th and died August 5, 1951 in Ardon (Loiret), is a French artist, illustrator and graphic designer. Mainly known as an illustrator and poster artist, he is also an influential member of the Cercle des Mortigny, a Parisian artistic group founded by Dimitri d'Osnobichine in 1908.
During World War I, Arnoux distinguished himself with his patriotic propaganda illustrations, creating works for a variety of media such as ocean liner sets, advertisements, games, posters, and even shoes. He is also known for his distinctive style, characterized by small, detailed figures with thick, black outlines and bright, flat areas of color created in watercolor.
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Arnoux collaborated with many magazines, including "La Gazette du bon ton" and "La Baïonnette", producing works that combined aesthetics and patriotism. His illustrations were marked by a light and humorous tone, which contributed to his popularity with the public. In 1916, he participated in the exhibition "La guerre et les humoristes" and in 1926 in the Salon de guerre des humoristes at the Galerie La Boétie in Paris.
After his injury in 1918, Arnoux requested a posting to the Navy and was appointed official painter of the Navy in 1921, earning the title of "Painter of the Navy Department." His artistic output continues to be a valuable testimony to the times, combining popular and decorative art with a look at the historical upheavals of the early 20th century.
Guy Arnoux is known for his humorous and patriotic works that capture both the spirit of everyday life during the First World War and the commitment of French soldiers. His distinctive style and contributions to a variety of decorative media make him a prominent figure of the early 20th century, with a notable influence on propaganda and poster art.
His works continue to demonstrate his talent and commitment to popular and decorative art, and his legacy lives on in the collections and archives of the period.
