Joseph Hecht
Jósef Hecht
Joseph (Józef) Hecht (1891-1951) was a Polish artist who based his artistic career in Paris, France. Originally trained in printmaking at the Art Academy of Kraków, Hecht was known for founding Atelier 17 in Paris, now known as Atelier Contrepoint, which was an art school and studio with a particular influence in teaching and promoting printmaking throughout the 20th century. Hecht was a master printmaker, depicting only animals, and almost exclusively utilizing burin (pure-line engraving) or drypoint.
Hecht is renowned today for his ability to pare down his subject to its essence. Hecht drew most of his animals in captivity, specifically finding inspiration at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. Hecht created more than 400 prints of nature and animals before his death in 1951.
