The war works of Jean Delpech (1938-1945)

This autumn, the Musée de l’Armée’s itinerary covering the two World Wars is set to include a very special installation devoted to Jean Delpech’s war works. An artist best known for his engravings, Jean Delpech produced a great many drawings and prints on the Second World War.

He was insatiably curious and was almost obsessional in depicting whatever he saw around him. His body of work is complex and takes time to absorb fully due to its abundance of detail. His creations are included on all three stages of the itinerary devoted to the Second World War. Jean Delpech’s art is presented through over forty drawings and prints, inviting visitors to acquaint themselves with the artist’s career during the Second World War and his unique insights into the period.

An outstanding installation in resonance with the Museum’s collections

Through 46 of the artist’s works (19 drawings and 27 prints), the Musée de l’Armée matches the items presented in the Second World War itinerary with Jean Delpech’s perspective on the conflict. Another way of showing a French soldier’s everyday life during the 1940 Campaign, life in Paris under the Occupation and following the Liberation, and finally, a war reporter’s work in Germany alongside the 1st Army in 1945. The works selected from among the Museum’s extensive collections reflect the multiplicity of the artist’s intentions and the diversity of his creations (finished works, studies and technical drawings).