![\"museumsnacht](\"http:\/\/farm4.static.flickr.com\/3314\/3204305710_8da8b2a995_m.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nMy French grammar books at school were illustrated with cartoons from Le Petit Nicolas<\/a>.<\/p>\n It wasn’t really quiet today either. There was a museum tour while I was there, and the lady presenting had a very loud voice that you could hear on all floors. It’s a small museum. I learnt that Semp\u00e9 went through a depressive period after his friend committed suicide. Following this tragedy, Semp\u00e9 didn’t publish any work for 6 years. And only managed to recover by listening to music. <\/p>\n I learnt that Semp\u00e9 required at least 2 weeks time for one his “New Yorker” covers.<\/p>\n And I learnt another French expression for money: pognon<\/em>: Used by a couple sitting on a pier, in front of them a yacht harbour and the setting sun to describe the scene.<\/p>\n I like Semp\u00e9’s subtle humor. His illustrations are sentimental and nostalgic, even though they often point out and criticize disparities (e.g. between rich and poor, urban and rural). <\/p>\n A very enjoyable show, open ’til 13th April 2009.<\/p>\n I also liked the cartoons by Nicolas Mahler<\/a>, another exhibition. <\/p>\n