Crafty (illustrator) facts for kids

Crafty, whose real name was Victor Eugène Géruzez, was a talented French artist. He was born in Paris on May 24, 1840, and passed away on May 26, 1906, in Saint-Martin-de-Nigelles. Crafty was especially known for his amazing drawings and stories about horses and hunting on horseback. He created many books that showed his love for these subjects.

About Crafty

Victor Eugène Géruzez, known as Crafty, was the son of Nicolas Eugène Géruzez. He married Louise Marguerite Gabrielle Vavin in Paris in 1874. They had two children, Claire Hélène and Jean Pierre Eugène.

Crafty studied art with a famous teacher named Charles Gleyre. His artwork was shown at the important Salon de Paris starting in 1877. The Salon was a big art exhibition in Paris where artists could display their work to the public.

His first drawings were published in a magazine called Le Centaure. This magazine also published his first two books, Snob à Paris and Snob à l'exposition. The second book was about the big Paris Exposition, a world's fair held in 1867.

Crafty's drawings and stories appeared in many different magazines and newspapers. Some of these included Le Journal Amusant, La Vie Parisienne, and L'Éclipse. He also drew pictures for other authors' books, like Les Chats (about cats) by Champfleury and Enfants (about children) by Alphonse Daudet. He even illustrated a book for his own brother, Paul.

Today, original drawings and artworks by Crafty are highly valued by collectors.

Crafty's Books and Art

Crafty created many books filled with his own stories and drawings. Most of his works focused on horses, riding, and hunting. He often showed the fun and excitement of life in Paris and the French countryside.

Snob à l’Exposition (Snob at the Exhibition)

Chasse à courre (Hunting on Horseback)

Here are some of his well-known books:

• Snob à Paris (1866) and Snob à l'Exposition (1867): These were his first books, showing his unique style.
• Paris à cheval (1883): This book was about "Paris on Horseback," exploring the city from a rider's view.
• La Province à cheval (1885): Meaning "Provence on Horseback," this book took readers on a journey through the French countryside.
• L'Équitation puérile et honnête (1886): This was a guide to "Equestrianism pure and simple," teaching about horse riding.
• La Chasse à courre (1888): This book focused on "The Hunt," with notes and sketches about hunting on horseback.
• Album Crafty. Les Chiens (1890): An album dedicated to "Dogs."
• Album Crafty. Croquis parisiens. Les Chevaux: Another album, this one featured "Parisian Sketches" and "Horses."
• Paris au Bois (1890): This book was about "Paris woodland," showing scenes from the parks and forests around Paris.
• À travers Paris (1894): Meaning "Around Paris," this book took readers on a tour of the city.
• Sur le Turf (1899): This book was about "On Turf," covering flat races and steeplechases.

Crafty also illustrated a book called Dressage et menage by le Comte de Comminges, which was about horse training.