Jean De Brunhoff Paintings

Jean de Brunhoff was a French writer and illustrator best remembered for creating the beloved children's book series about Babar the Elephant. Born on December 9, 1899, in Paris, France, into a family with a keen interest in the arts, de Brunhoff was exposed to the world of literature and visual arts from an early age. Despite this artistic environment, his initial career path was not directly in the arts. He served in the French army during World War I and later began studying at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris, honing his skills in painting and drawing.

The idea for Babar came from a bedtime story told by de Brunhoff's wife, Cécile, to their children. Jean de Brunhoff was so enchanted by the tale of the little elephant who leaves the jungle for a city resembling Paris, learns to dress and live among humans, and eventually becomes king of the elephant kingdom, that he decided to illustrate the story. The first Babar book, 'Histoire de Babar', was published in 1931. It was an immediate success and was followed by six more titles authored and illustrated by de Brunhoff before his untimely death from tuberculosis in 1937, at the age of 37.

Jean de Brunhoff's Babar books were groundbreaking in their sophisticated narrative style and elaborate illustrations, which appealed to both children and adults. His work is noted for its imaginative landscapes, detailed depiction of the animal characters, and the gentle moral lessons woven into the stories. After his death, his brother Michel de Brunhoff, who was an editor for the French Vogue, and later Jean's eldest son, Laurent de Brunhoff, continued the Babar series, ensuring the character's place in the pantheon of classic children's literature. The legacy of Jean de Brunhoff extends beyond the Babar series. His innovative approach to children’s books has influenced generations of writers and illustrators worldwide, making him a pivotal figure in the realm of children's literature.