André Toussaint (1923-2006). Woodcut. "wrestling" No. 3/4c. 1959.1950's Wrestlers. Nu Nacked Man

André Toussaint (Hermeton-sur-Meuse 1923 - Brussels 2006). "Lutte" 1959 Xylogravure. Deliveries: Belgium: 9 eur. France / Germany / Netherlands: 18 Eur. Xylogravure, also called wood engraving, is an immemorial technique that goes back several thousand years. Appearing in China before spreading to Europe in the Middle Ages, this technique is based on a process of relief engraving. This means that the wood is cut in certain places to reveal a design or pattern. In general, this type of wood engraving is mainly done in black and white. With xylogravure, each print is unique. The texture of the wood, the small imperfections, as well as the patina that forms over time, give a particular charm to each wood engraving. André Toussaint was a Belgian artist, born in Hermeton-sur-Meuse in 1923 and died in 2006. A woodcutter, graphic artist, draftsman, calligrapher, painter and tapestry maker, he studied at the Institut Saint-Luc in Brussels as well as at the Academies of Saint-Jean-Molenbeek and Sint-Joost-ten-Node. In 1960, he won the Triennial Prize for Engraving, and in 1964, he became one of the co-founders of the Cap d'Encre Group. His work is divided into several distinct periods: Throughout his career, he also produced oils on panel, demonstrating great technical and artistic mastery. André Toussaint exhibited alongside the greatest Belgian artists of his time, such as Carcan, Somville and Delvaux, before gradually falling into oblivion. Many of the artist's works were acquired by the French Community between 1976 and 1982. His work is notably preserved at the Cabinet des Estampes in Brussels.