Francisque Poulbot

Four little girls dancing the French Cancan in Montmartre

1920

Francisque Poulbot was a French affichiste, draughtsman and illustrator. Born into a teaching family – his parents were both lecturers – Poulbot was the eldest of seven children. He was a gifted draughtsman, but shied away from the École des Beaux-Arts. From 1900, his drawings started to be published in the press. He moved to Montmartre, and in February 1914 married Léona Ondernard, before leaving for the front. He was however sent back the following year. During World War I, he drew patriotic posters and postcards, for which he was put under house arrest under the German occupation of France during World War II. In 1920–1921, being very attached to the Montmartre life, Poulbot became involved in creating the République de Montmartre, with his friends Adolphe Willette, Jean-Louis Forain and Maurice Neumont. In 1923 he opened a dispensary on the Rue Lepic to help the needy children of Montmartre. He died in Paris on 16 September 1946 and was buried in Montmartre Cemetery.