As I continue to translate and illustrate Alphonse Allais, I’ve been contemplating the many caricatures of him.  Having already offered portraits of his semi-fictional antihero, Captain Cap, I’ll now post some of the man himself.  Internet Allais buffs, you’re welcome.

The first is by Cabriol, aka Georges Lorin, from the Hydropathe, January 28, 1880.  Allais’s original vocation as pharmacist is still part of his image.

Allais beats the drum for a shadow puppet play at the Chat Noir, in a sketch by Georges Redon.

The Chat Noir itself accompanies Allais, in a 1956 drawing by Maurice Henry, on the cover of a collection of Allais’s plays and monologues.

Another early sketch, by Charles Léandre.

And, lastly (for this time; there will be more), Siné’s cover for a 1966 collection.  Siné’s people all tend to look alike; he has, however, distinguished Allais with a beard and a boater.

(Posted by Doug Skinner)