Alexandre Iacovleff (Russian, 1887-1938)

The present work was created during the 'Croisière noire', an expedition sponsored by André Citroën (1878-1935) and Georges-Marie Haardt (1884-1932). The expedition set off in October 1924 to explore the African continent and test Citroën’s new all-terrain vehicles, as well as strengthening the company brand. . Alexandre Iacovleff was chosen as the official artist to document the expedition.

Iacovleff was a skillful draftsman, working quickly to conceptualize and accurately portray his subjects. He captured the landscape and cultures of Africa, exposing many Westerners to the diverse ethnographic make-up of the continent.