Kelen, Emery, 1896-1978

Kelen met Alois Derso in 1922 at a chance meeting at a press bar in Lausanne.

Sharing similar biographical backgrounds, both being Jews from Hungary and artists, they became friends and collaborators for the next 30 years - the first twenty years in Europe and the last ten years in the United States. During the 1920s and 1930s, Kelen and Derso worked in Europe illustrating inter-war Europe with their cartoons. As witnesses to this history, they drew caricatures of famous diplomats and statesmen of the day and satirical cartoons of their activities. They traveled to the major European capitals observing the numerous economic, disarmament, and peace conferences (the 1925 Locarno Conference, the 1933 London Economic Conference, the 1932 World Disarmament Conference); they were also the dedicated pictorial reporters of the meetings and delegates of the League of Nations.

From the description of Derso and Kelen collection, 1922-1975 (bulk 1922-1970). (Princeton University Library). WorldCat record id: 179259656