Jean Effel facts for kids
Jean Effel, whose real name was François Lejeune (born February 12, 1908 – died October 10, 1982), was a talented French artist. He was a painter, a caricaturist (someone who draws funny or exaggerated pictures), an illustrator (someone who draws pictures for books), and a journalist. He often saw himself as a journalist who shared his thoughts on political events. His artistic name, Jean Effel, comes from his initials, F. L.
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A Creative Life
Jean Effel was born in Paris, France. He studied many interesting subjects like art, music, and philosophy. Even though his father wanted him to join the family business, Jean chose to follow his passion and become a professional artist.
He often drew for a French newspaper called l'Humanité. He also created wonderful pictures for the famous fables written by Jean de La Fontaine.
His Most Famous Work
Jean Effel's most well-known work is a series of cartoons called The Creation of the World. This amazing story was even made into a film in 1957 by director E. Hofman. The entire cartoon series includes five books:
- Le Ciel et la Terre (Sky and Earth)
- Les Plantes et Animaux (Plants and Animals)
- L'Homme (Man)
- La Femme (Woman)
- Le Roman d'Adam et Eve (Story of Adam and Eve)
Other important works by Effel include a collection of drawings against fascism from 1935. Fascism was a political idea that was very strict and often unfair. He also wrote a book of cartoons called When Animals Still Talked in 1953.
Effel's Unique Style
Jean Effel's drawings are easy to understand and full of life. They are funny and new, with his special curly signature. You can often spot a small daisy drawn in the bottom right corner of his art. This little flower shows his kind and positive view of the world.
Later Life and Recognition
Jean Effel had a strong connection with the USSR (the Soviet Union) and Czechoslovakia. He was the longtime leader of the Company of French-Czechoslovak Friendship. In 1967, he received the Lenin Peace Prize, an award given for promoting peace among people. He passed away in Paris in 1982.
The French Postal service honored Jean Effel by issuing a special stamp with his picture on October 5, 1983.
Key Works
Here are some of Jean Effel's important works:
- 1935 – A collection of anti-fascist caricatures (drawings against unfair political ideas)
- 1944 – Turelune le Cornepipeux – a fairy tale
- 1945 – La Création du Monde – his famous series about the creation of the world
- 1953 – When Animals Still Talked – a book of cartoons
