Jules Romains 1921

André Dunoyer de Segonzac made this print of Jules Romains, the French poet and novelist, at an unknown date. It’s a sketch-like study of Romains’ head, shown in profile and nearly face-on. This seemingly simple image connects to the cultural and institutional history of early 20th-century France. Segonzac, associated with the Société des Peintres-Graveurs, here engages with printmaking, a medium that democratized art, making it accessible beyond elite circles. Jules Romains himself was a prominent literary figure, known for his philosophical and social themes. Consider how this print, born from the intersection of art and literature, reflects the cultural milieu of its time. To truly understand this artwork, delving into the archives of the Société des Peintres-Graveurs, and exploring Romains’ writings would provide invaluable context. Art, after all, is not created in a vacuum, but in dialogue with the society around it.