Paul Gavarni was born in Paris on January 13, 1804. This French watercolour artist and caricaturist was quite a figure in artistic circles during the Second Empire.

Right at the outset of his career, his drawings were published in the major papers of the day, including “La Mode” and “L’Artiste”.

His series of lithographs and drawings such as “Les Enfants Terribles” and “Fourberies de Femmes” revealed him as a mocking, bitter critic of Parisian society under Louis-Philippe and the Second Empire.
Alongside Grandville, another well-known French caricaturist, he contributed to “Le Diable à Paris”, a series of collective works bringing together stories and articles by renowned authors including Balzac, George Sand and Charles Nodier.

authors including Balzac, George Sand and Charles Nodier.
A specialist in the illustration of the Paris Carnival, he wrote: “The Carnival never existed; it was I who invented it – at fifty francs a drawing!”
A monument was erected in his honour on the place Saint-Georges in Paris’ 9th arrondissement. He died in 1866, aged 62.

The World Earth Festival invites each of us to become a player in protecting the environment. It was launched in 2004 by Terralliance. Its aim is to provide nations worldwide with an opportunity to celebrate the planet together and at the same time, raise awareness of how fragile it is and commit to protecting it.

In France, the celebration will take place from June 13-15 at the Parc de Bercy, with a special emphasis on the two key issues which led to the Festival being set up: solidarity and the environment. During this three-day event, over 6000 visitors are expected at the Parc for a number of events: an “association village” with 50 exhibitors, topical lectures, exhibitions, interactive workshops and a score or so of concerts featuring music from around the world. These events will take place daily from 10am to 10pm and will be completely free of charge.

See the website for more information: www.festivaldelaterre-idf.org