Lot n° 92
Estimation :
1000 - 2000
EUR
“Le Bouvier” Oil on cardboard panel, 53 x 73 cm (62 x 81 cm - Lot 92
“Le Bouvier” Oil on cardboard panel, 53 x 73 cm (62 x 81 cm with frame), signed lower left.
pseudonym of Bernard Cahn (1890–1943)
A painter and cartoonist specializing in political, humorous, theatrical, and cinematic subjects, he enjoyed immense fame. From 1918 to 1939, he contributed to the most famous magazines and newspapers, including *Le Canard Enchaîné*, *Le Rire*, *Crapouillot*, *Fantasio*, *L’Humanité*, and *Le Figaro*….He created posters for exhibitions, movies, and plays, as well as book covers—including nine for Georges Simenon, Louis Delluc, Maurice Dekobra, Henri Béraud, Paul Morand, and Joseph Kessel…
He discovered and explored the Basque Country during solo exhibitions at the Bayonne Museum. Thus, in a loving and respectful tribute to the region and the Basques, he painted, drew, and engraved the landscapes and daily life with passion.
“His pencil, which he wields with a sure hand to capture the character and features of a face, has bite, strength, a pleasant liveliness, and that crisp, swift stroke in which we immediately recognize his signature.”—Francis Carrco.
“Poor Becan, whose art consisted of bringing joy to others! Once Paris was under the boot, he began to fear the Gestapo so much that he no longer dared venture outside and remained shut away in his home. He could no longer sleep. As chance would have it, his apartment opened onto the roof of a neighboring building, and the unfortunate man was always ready to climb onto that roof and throw himself into the void at the slightest sign of danger. Fearing a surprise attack, he kept watch by a window that was always open, through which the outside air and dampness seeped in. Thus, this humorist froze to death.”
Yvon Bizardel, Director of Fine Arts for the City of Paris, recounted Becan’s tragic end in his book *Sous l’Occupation*
High-resolution photos: https://bit.ly/hdv-lausanne
Exhibition: LA SALLE, 20 rue DROUOT, 75009 PARIS
Monday, June 29, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Live Closed-Door Auction, 1004 Lausanne, Switzerland:
Thursday, July 2, 2026, 2:00 PM
Delivery of lots with no shipping charges to PARIS, LYON, MARSEILLE, and LAUSANNE a few days after the auction.
Or shipping from FRANCE at the buyer’s expense via the carrier of their choice.
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