Francisque was the oldest of seven children. His parents were lecturers.
He studied art and from 1900, his drawings started to be published in the press. He moved to Montmartre where, in February 1914, he married Léona Ondernard, before leaving for the Front. However, he was sent home the following year.
Francisque designed posters and also wrote stories about Parisian street urchins - (called 'titis' in Parisian slang). The pair were drawn in 1913 and called Nénette et Rintintin. The little cartoon couple became famous throughout France during WW1 because of a popular song and people made little dolls representing the couple with pieces of left-over knitting wool – these were given out as good luck charms, especially to soldiers leaving for the Front.
Paris was not occupied during WW1 but it was during WW2 and Francisque Poulebot was placed under house arrest for designing patriotic posters, cartoons and cards during WW1.
Francisque died on 16th September 1946, in Paris
Additional information:
LES GOSSES DANS LES RUINES _IDYLLE DE GUERRE_
L'ÉDITION FRANÇAISE ILLUSTRÉE PARIS--30, rue de Provence, 30—PARIS
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/39774/39774-0.txt
https://lesserknownartists.blogspot.com/2014/05/rin-tin-tin-puppy-that-became-film-star.html
