Raymond Peynet - "Leo" Original Etching, Monochrome, Hand-signed by the artist

Image size: 52 x 38 cm

Raymond Peynet was the most popular illustrator in 20th century France, with several museums in France and Japan. His works depict the love of couples, always surrounded by small animals, trees, and flowers. Peynet's art conveys a message of love and peace, and his empathy for small animals and plants leads 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 was produced in France in 1978 as part of a series. Of course, it is new. It is sold out even in France, and only used items appear on the market. Please refer to the following websites for information on Peynet's museums.

Original etching "Zodiac" series by Raymond Peynet displayed in the Peynet Museum in Antibes, from the front: Pisces, Cancer, Sagittarius, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio ↓

Raymond Peynet's daughter, Annie Peynet, pointing to Raymond Peynet's original lithograph print displayed in the Peynet Museum in Antibes ↓

【Artwork Description】

In Greek mythology, Leo is said to be the man-eating lion slain by the hero Hercules. People born under the sign of Leo are said to be strong, flamboyant, and proud like a lion, and they excel when they are the center of attention. They are also said to be strong-willed and dependable, but can become self-centered if their pride is hurt.

The entire surface is covered with the face of a lion and its mane. The overwhelming presence of the king of lions is powerfully expressed. Below the face of this king of lions, the world is depicted. Several islands, covered with medieval buildings, are symbolically drawn, and medieval sailing ships are also depicted, suggesting a sea. However, since the islands are covered in clouds, it also looks like a city in the sky. The sailing ships might also be airships. Above the clouds or on cloud-like islands, near the lower part of the lion's mane, a couple is embracing, sharing a passionate hug. They must feel reassured under the watchful eye of the king.

Yasuhiro Takeda, Galerie Adekat

In 1992, Galerie Adekat purchased 5,000 copies from Alexandre Tocquard, the nephew of Mr. Mullet, the publisher of Raymond Peynet (who collaborated with Raymond Peynet to produce his prints, which Raymond Peynet then personally signed), and the representative of the French distributor of these prints (Éditions des Cercles).

Sculpture of Raymond Peynet's Lovers in front of the 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, and thus had a close relationship with the Peynet Museum in Karuizawa. To foster exchange between the Karuizawa Peynet Museum and the Raymond Peynet and Humorous Art Museum in Antibes, Southern France, Galerie Adekat was dispatched by the Karuizawa Peynet Museum and continues to interact 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 joyfully, centering on the love of couples. In the 21st century, a time of environmental destruction and ongoing wars, Raymond Peynet's paintings of love and peace serve as a message for our modern age. We hope that by experiencing Raymond Peynet's world of peace, love, and gentle nature, people will cultivate peace and love in their hearts, and cherish nature, animals, and plants as fellow inhabitants of Earth.

【Raymond Peynet Museum Links】

Raymond Peynet Website

Karuizawa Peynet Museum 

Antibes Peynet Museum Interview 

Antibes Peynet Museum 

Brassac Peynet Museum 

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

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Peynet Monument of Love and Peace