Raymond Peynet "Virgo" Original Etching, Black and White, 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 dedicated to his work in both France and Japan. His works depict the love between lovers, always surrounded by small animals, trees, and flowers. Peynet's art conveys messages of love and peace, and his empathy for small animals and plants relates to environmental protection. At Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a sculpture of Peynet's lovers stands as a symbol of world peace. This original etching was produced in France as part of a series in 1978. Of course, it is new. It is sold out even in France, and only second-hand items appear on the market. Please refer to the following websites for information on Peynet's museums, etc.

Raymond Peynet's original etching zodiac series exhibited at the Musée Peynet 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 exhibited at the Musée Peynet in Antibes ↓

 【Artwork Description】

In Greek mythology, Virgo is said to be the sister of the Greek god Zeus and the goddess of harvest, Demeter. Virgos combine the dreamy delicacy of a young girl with a practical side that steadily brings ideals to fruition. They value social norms and rules, so they are said to be strict with those who go against them.

Among the trees in the park, a beautiful, pure, and somewhat stern-looking woman, like a nun, stands holding lovers. Given the size of the lovers, this woman's height appears to be about three meters. Perhaps she is not human but a goddess. Between the branches of the tree behind her, a heart-shaped sky, seemingly an alternate dimension, is depicted, with doves flying. The lovers representing love and the doves symbolizing peace likely represent the goddess's ideals. People in medieval-traveler-like attire and medieval-style buildings can be glimpsed among the trees, and small animals and flowers also seem to be participating in this world of love and peace.

Adekat Gallery, Yasuhiro Takeda

In about 1992, Galerie Adekat purchased 5,000 copies from Mr. Alexandre Tocart, the nephew of Mr. Murret (who collaborated with Raymond Peynet to produce Raymond Peynet's prints, which Raymond Peynet signed by hand) and the representative of Editions du Cercle, the French distributor of these prints.

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

Karuizawa Peynet Museum brochure ↓

 Since Galerie Adekat operated "Gallery Vent de France" in Karuizawa Prince Hotel for 20 years from 1995 to 2015, we have a close relationship with the Peynet Museum in Karuizawa. For the exchange between the Karuizawa Peynet Museum and the Raymond Peynet et le Musée de l'Humour in Antibes, southern France, we were dispatched by the Karuizawa Peynet Museum and continue to interact with the Musée Peynet in Antibes and Raymond Peynet's daughter, Annie Peynet.

Raymond Peynet's artistic world depicts a paradise where small animals and plants happily coexist around the love of lovers. 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 time. We hope that by experiencing Raymond Peynet's world of peace, love, and gentle nature, you will foster a heart that cherishes peace, love, and our fellow inhabitants of Earth: nature, animals, and plants.

 【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 Love and Peace Monument