Raymond Peynet [Capricorn] Original etching, monochrome, signed by the artist

Image size: 52 x 38 cm

Raymond Peynet is the most popular illustrator in 20th-century France, and there are multiple museums dedicated to his work in France and Japan. His works depict the love of couples, always surrounded by small animals, trees, and flowers, conveying a message of love and peace. His empathy for small animals and plants also connects to environmental protection. In Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a sculpture of Peynet's lovers is placed as a symbol of world peace. This original etching print series was produced in France in 1978. Of course, it is new. It is sold out in France, and only used items are available in the market. For information on Peynet museums, etc., please see the following sites.

Raymond Peynet's original etching zodiac series displayed in the Peynet Museum in Antibes, from the front: Pisces, Cancer, Sagittarius, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio

【Work Commentary】

In Greek mythology, Pan, the god of pastures, was chased by a monster and jumped into a river, trying to transform into a fish, but only his tail became a fish. Zeus saw Pan and brought him up to the heavens, making him into the constellation Capricorn. People born under Capricorn are said to have serious and realistic personalities, patiently tackling everything and possessing a strong will to see things through to the end.

In mythology, Capricorn's lower half became a fish, but in Peynet's Capricorn, it becomes a conch shell floating in the air. Inside the conch, the lovers are embracing and enjoying an aerial stroll together. Cupid, who seems to have brought these lovers together, holds an umbrella over them. This goat and the lovers appear to be very high up, with stars raining down from above, and the moon and cities on Earth visible far below. The woman clings tightly to the man. Is it love for the man, or fear of falling from the shell airship? Perhaps the woman entrusts herself to the reliable and dependable Capricorn man with peace of mind.

Yasuhiro Takeda, Galerie Adekat

Around 1992, Galerie Adekat purchased 5,000 copies from Mr. Alexandre Tocquard, the nephew of Mr. Muray (Raymond Peynet's publisher, who produced Peynet's prints in collaboration with Raymond Peynet, and Raymond Peynet signed them in his own hand) and the representative of the French distributor of the prints (Editions des Cercles).

Statue of Raymond Peynet's lovers in front of Karuizawa Peynet Museum ↓

Karuizawa Peynet Museum brochure ↓

 Galerie Adekat managed "Galerie Vent de France" at Karuizawa Prince Hotel for 20 years from 1995 to 2015, establishing a close relationship with the Peynet Museum in Karuizawa. To foster exchange between the Karuizawa Peynet Museum and the Raymond Peynet and Humorous Painters Museum in Antibes, southern France, Galerie Adekat was dispatched by the Karuizawa Peynet Museum and continues to maintain contact with the Peynet Museum in Antibes and Raymond Peynet's daughter, Annie Peynet.

 Raymond Peynet's artistic world depicts a paradise where small animals and plants coexist happily, centered around the love of couples. In the 21st century, with its environmental destruction and ongoing wars, Raymond Peynet's paintings of love and peace are considered a message for our times. We hope that by experiencing Raymond Peynet's world surrounded by peace, love, and gentle nature, people will cultivate a sense of peace, love, and care for nature, animals, and plants, who are our companions on Earth.

【Raymond Peynet Museum Links】

Raymond Peynet Site

Karuizawa Peynet Museum　

Antibes Peynet Museum Interview　

Antibes Peynet Museum　

Brassac Peynet Museum　

Sakuto Art Museum (Peynet Museum + Valentine Park + Valentine Hotel)

Peynet Love and Peace Monument, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park