Brother Eric (1925-2007)
Born in Geneva in 1925, Eric de Saussure studied Fine Art in Paris and in Florence. He joined the Taizé Community in 1949, while it was still very small. He lived not only in Taizé but in houses of the Taizé brothers in Algeria and in the USA.
Brother Eric is perhaps best known for:
his stained glass windows
In particular, he produced the series representing the Christian Festivals in the Church of Reconciliation in Taizé.
his icons
Notably the icon of the Cross, which for many years has sustained the prayer of pilgrims in Taizé and in many other places.
large abstract canvases
Begun during his years in New York.
his water colours
Fluid images of the landscape around Taizé.
Less well known but of equal merit are the almost 200 etchings* which he printed on an old 18th century wooden press which he found and restored.
A series of eight of Brother Eric’s etchings are at present on display at the Exposition in Taizé.
* Etching. A metal plate is first covered with an acid-resistant ground, and then worked with an etching needle. The metal exposed by the needle is "eaten" in an acid bath, creating the recessed image. The ground is removed, ink is forced into the etched depressions, the un-etched surfaces wiped, and an impression is printed.