The pen name Claude Aveline was adopted in 1918 by Evgen Avtsine, a prolific author who navigated a career spanning literature, publishing, and political activism. Born in the 5th arrondissement of Paris in 1901 to parents who had emigrated from Russia, he emerged as a versatile creative force throughout the twentieth century in France.
Early Career and Publishing
Educated at the Lycée Henri-IV, Avtsine volunteered as a medic in the First World War at age 14. By 1922, he established his own publishing house, Chez Claude Aveline éditeur, earning recognition as the youngest publisher in France. His early literary contributions included a biography of Buddha and various poems published in magazines starting in 1919. He maintained a close professional relationship with writer Anatole France during his early years in Paris.
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Aveline achieved public success with his 1932 detective novel, La Double Mort de Frédéric Belot, followed by his 1936 work, Le Prisonnier. His creative output remained diverse, including radio dramas for which he received the Prix Italia in 1955. In 1950, he wrote the poem Portrait de l'Oiseau-Qui-N'Existe-Pas, which was later translated into 55 languages. He commissioned an anthology of 108 illustrations based on this poem from artists including Henri-Georges Adam, Atlan, Bertholle, Bissiere, Prassinos, Music, Singier, Vieira da Silva, and Jacques Villon, donating the collection to the Musée National d'Art Moderne in 1963.
Legacy and Public Service
During the occupation of France, Aveline served in the French Resistance. His post-war recognition included the Grand prix de littérature de la SGDL in 1952, the rank of Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres, and the Resistance Medal. He also served as the legal guardian for the daughter of filmmaker Jean Vigo, and in 1951, he founded the Prix Jean Vigo, presiding over the jury for 25 years. Aveline, who began his memoirs in 1974, died in the 15th arrondissement of Paris in 1992.
Fast facts
- Born: 1901, 5th arrondissement of Paris
- Died: 1992, 15th arrondissement of Paris
- Occupations: writer, poet, politician, publisher, art critic, novelist, librettist, non-fiction writer
- Education: Lycée Henri-IV
- Major Awards: Grand prix de littérature de la SGDL, Officer of the Legion of Honour, Resistance Medal
- Notable sculpture: Bust by Ossip Zadkine, 1967
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the Portrait de l'Oiseau-Qui-N'Existe-Pas?
Written in 1950, the poem was translated into 55 languages and illustrated by over 100 artists in a collection donated to the Musée National d'Art Moderne.
What connection did Claude Aveline have to cinema?
He was a close friend and the executor of the estate for filmmaker Jean Vigo, and he founded the Prix Jean Vigo in 1951.
Achievements
- Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Resistance Medal
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