Alexandru Bassarab | |
|---|---|
 Self-portrait | |
| Born | August 7, 1907 |
| Died | July 8, 1941 (aged 33) Țiganca (presumed) |
| Nationality | Romanian |
| Education | National School of Fine Arts (presumed) |
| Known for | Linocut, woodcut, line engraving, illustration, typography, oil painting |
| Movement | Arta și Omul Grupul Grafic |
Alexandru Bassarab, or Basarab (August 7, 1907 – July 8, 1941), was a Romanian painter, engraver, and fascist politician. Earning his reputation for his pioneering work in linocut and woodcut, he explored neotraditionalism, Romanian nationalism, and Romanian folklore, and was ultimately drawn into politics with the Iron Guard. He helped steer several art groups associated or integrated with the Guard, contributed to its fascist propaganda, and briefly served in the Assembly of Deputies. He survived the clampdown of the late 1930s, returning to apolitical work with Grupul Grafic, and exploring the legacy of Byzantine art.
Under the National Legionary State, Bassarab returned to favor as one of the leading political iconographers, also urging others to contribute "epic" art in support of the regime. Arrested during the civil strife of early 1941, Bassarab was allowed to redeem himself on the Eastern Front. He died there, in mysterious circumstances, while his work continued to be censored at home.