Guerro #10 (1893-1895)
by Valére Bernard
French, 1860-1936
Valère Bernard, also known as Valérie Bernard, was a Provençal painter and poet who expressed himself in the Occitan language. His graphic work is significant, and he is known for his contributions to symbolism, often exploring dark and macabre themes with an anti-war message. In his series of engravings titled “Guerro,” created between 1893 and 1895, he presents variations around the theme of death, inspired by Francisco Goya.
“Guerro #10” is a striking piece that embodies the Symbolist movement’s fascination with the mystical and the allegorical. The depiction of a woman with the head and feet of a tiger suggests a fusion of human and animalistic traits, symbolizing perhaps the primal instincts or the dual nature of humanity. The men grappling on the ground before her might represent the conflicts and struggles of the human experience, possibly alluding to the senseless nature of war, which aligns with Bernard's anti-war sentiments. The tiger-woman’s elevated position could imply a detached or superior perspective on the human condition, observing the chaos without intervening.
In the context of symbolism, the piece would use visual metaphors to delve into the human psyche and the existential realities of mortality and war. Bernard’s use of such powerful imagery would invite viewers to reflect on the consequences of conflict and the transient nature of peace in times of war.
Matte Poster
• Printed with Dye/Pigment Reactive Ink on Archival Matte Paper
• Shipped in Heavy Duty Poster Tube
• Heavy weight (210 gsm), thick base, and an instant-dry coating that resists fingerprints and smudging