Portrait study of Alexandre Parodi, delegate from France to the United Nations
Date
1946Medium
Black and white pastel on black paper on cream paper with framing lines in black pastel on light gray paper with framing lines in graphite on boardCredit Line
Gift of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 2015Dimensions
13 x 10 in.Description & Inscriptions
[bottom center of drawing in white pastel]: France; [lower left of drawing in white pastel]: V.O. / 1946; [bottom left of cream paper in graphite]: Alexandre Parodi -- / ("Monsieur X" of the Paris Underground)
In 1946 Oakley wrote, "Parodi was President of the Security Council when this drawing was made. Known as 'Monsieur X,' a leader of the Paris Underground, he has now emerged to this active service for the world in the bright light of the Council Room of the United Nations. His life was spared by a miracle when France was liberated. Swift, alert, turning rapidly from side to side, he presides with a wisdom won through darkness, danger, and great suffering."
Parodi was an organizer of the French Resistance in World War II, and managing director of the Committee of National Liberation in occupied France. Between 1945 and 1960 he was France’s first permanent representative to the United Nations, secretary general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, permanent representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and ambassador to Morocco.
In 1946 Oakley wrote, "Parodi was President of the Security Council when this drawing was made. Known as 'Monsieur X,' a leader of the Paris Underground, he has now emerged to this active service for the world in the bright light of the Council Room of the United Nations. His life was spared by a miracle when France was liberated. Swift, alert, turning rapidly from side to side, he presides with a wisdom won through darkness, danger, and great suffering."
Parodi was an organizer of the French Resistance in World War II, and managing director of the Committee of National Liberation in occupied France. Between 1945 and 1960 he was France’s first permanent representative to the United Nations, secretary general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, permanent representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and ambassador to Morocco.
