Caran d'Ache (1858–1909)

French illustrator. Largely self-taught, he made his name with humorous drawings for satirical periodicals such as Vie parisienne and La Caricature. He was one of the early exponents of the ‘comic strip’ technique.

Born in Moscow, the grandson of one of Napoleon's officers, he returned to France with the intention of being a military painter. He served five years in the French army, being employed for the most part in drawing uniforms. He finally made his name with cartoons, which were known for their economy of both line and words. He achieved great popularity in both France and England.