A former cartoonist, book illustrator and theater set designer, the French illustrator was best known for Les Amoureux (“The Lovers”), which he created during World War II. The simple graphic illustrated romance for generations of French, as it was used to symbolize Valentine’s Day on greeting cards, posters, jewelry, a postage stamp, and even clothing.
“He was a very lovable man who spent his whole life talking about love,” said his daughter, Annie. “My father and mother were ‘The Lovers’, the perfect couple for 60 years.”
Two museums in France (and two in Japan) are devoted exclusively to his work. Peynet died January 14 in Mougins, France, at age 90.