Arne Ungermann, Denmark

AGI member since 1952

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Arne Ungermann belonged to the AGI’s first small group of Danish members. He started his career as a lithographer, but worked throughout his life as an illustrator and cartoonist. From 1924 until his death he worked for the daily newspaper Politiken, and for the Sunday supplement Magasinet (1922–62). At that time, he also started to create posters, making around 150 during his lifetime. The French poster designer A.M. Cassandre was often his inspiration. Ungermann was considered a pioneer in book illustrations, especially children’s books. He created the illustrations for Palle alene i Verden (‘Paul is alone in the world’) by Jens Sigsgaard, which was published in over 20 countries. He produced many books, showing children that art can help to see the world with fresh eyes. His work was exemplary as far as picture books were concerned. In 1961, he won the Danish Ministry of Culture’s Children’s Book Prize and in 1979 the Eckersberg medal.

Design work by Arne Ungermann


    Arne Ungermann, Denmark (1952)

    Arne Ungermann belonged to the AGI’s first small group of Danish members. He started his career as a lithographer, but worked throughout his life as an illustrator and cartoonist. From...

    Read full biography
    Arne Ungermann, Denmark (1952)

    Arne Ungermann belonged to the AGI’s first small group of Danish members. He started his career as a lithographer, but worked throughout his life as an illustrator and cartoonist. From 1924 until his death he worked for the daily newspaper Politiken, and for the Sunday supplement Magasinet (1922–62). At that time, he also started to create posters, making around 150 during his lifetime. The French poster designer A.M. Cassandre was often his inspiration. Ungermann was considered a pioneer in book illustrations, especially children’s books. He created the illustrations for Palle alene i Verden (‘Paul is alone in the world’) by Jens Sigsgaard, which was published in over 20 countries. He produced many books, showing children that art can help to see the world with fresh eyes. His work was exemplary as far as picture books were concerned. In 1961, he won the Danish Ministry of Culture’s Children’s Book Prize and in 1979 the Eckersberg medal.