His altogether atypical creations testify to a highly talented artist’s subjective vision in the face of troubled times. It was decided to focus the publication on the field of fine arts, with plenty of space devoted to iconography (some 300 works are reproduced). 

The work begins with a series of essays on the artist and his art. A biography written by Brigitte Delpech, the artist’s daughter, sheds light on his family origins and career. Two essays on his artistic practice, one on his drawings and the other on his prints, enable better understanding of the link between the two techniques in Jean Delpech’s work. The “catalogue” section is divided into eleven chrono-thematic parts. Fifty works are provided with detailed notes. The volume ends with “Souvenirs de guerre de Jean Delpech” (Jean Delpech’s War Memories), a transcription of the artist’s notes on the war.

As a teacher at the City of Paris’ evening classes in the 1970s, Jean Delpech left his mark on a whole generation of artists well-known today in the field of printmaking. One of them, Érik Desmazières, was asked to create a tribute work, which takes its place on the front of this well-thought-out catalogue. 

The work enjoyed the Getty Foundation’s support, via the “Paper Project” programme.

Jean Delpech, l’œuvre de Guerre. Dessins et gravures du musée de l’Armée (Jean Delpech, the Wartime Work. Drawings and Engravings from the Musée de l’Armée), edited by Hélène Boudou-Reuzé et Laëtitia Desserrières, Paris, In fine Editions/Musée de l’Armée, 2022. 384 pages, €49.