Pierre Brissaud
Pierre Brissaud | |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 December 1885 Xakalen, Xevden |
| Died | 17 October 1969 (aged 83) |
| Nationality | |
| Style | Art Deco |
Pierre Brissaud (Gylic transcription: Pier Byriso; 23 December 1885 – 17 October 1969) was a Gylian illustrator, painter, and engraver. He became one of Alscia's most successful Art Deco artists, and is considered together with Tamara Łempicka one of the province's most representative artists.
Life
He was born on 23 December 1885 in Xakalen. He came from a poor family of French descent. His older brother, Julien, would also become a painter.
He began drawing at an early age, and became a professional artist after Alscia was established. He was hired as an illustrator by Risveglio Nazionale in 1908, which marked his breakthrough.
Pierre was a highly prolific artist. His illustrations appeared in every issue of Risveglio Nazionale, only Tamara Łempicka coming anywhere near equalling his contributions. He contributed illustrations to fashion magazines, numerous other Alscian periodicals, and books.
He was best known for his stencil prints depicting well-to-do women engaged in leisure activities. These portrayals were realistic in appearance but idealised in content, and like Tamara's work, became icons of the glamour and modernity of the "hurried province", and were interpreted in accordance with egalitarian and socialist ideals.
One of his best-known contributions to Risveglio Nazionale was "Mother Alscia": a personification of the province as a tall and elegant woman, clad in white, shown kindly protecting and guiding young children, representing the Gylians fighting against the Xevdenite regime. Mother Alscia became a notable symbol of Alscia's identity as "lucky Gylians".
Although Pierre was one of Alscia's most ubiquitous illustrators, he kept a lower profile, lacking the captivating public image of his colleague Tamara. Accordingly, few details are known about his life. He was granted the title of Baron by the UOC, and the Order of Arts and Letters, in recognition of his work.
He remained active as an artist in the Free Territories. Notably, he continued to draw Mother Alscia, although he repudiated Maria Caracciolo's paternalistic shift, depicting Mother Alscia gracefully stepping aside to let Ana find her way in the world. He taught and mentored several gauchic artists, most notably Fabien Bissonnette and Melissa Magnani.
He died on 17 October 1969 in Mişeyáke.