Alois Carigiet

Alois Carigiet (*30 August 1902 in Trun, Graubünden; †1 August 1985 in Trun) was a Swiss artist, graphic artist and illustrator, who was particularly known for his illustrations of children's books.

Carigiet grew up in Surselva, a Romansh-speaking region in Graubünden. He moved to Zurich in 1919, where he began training as a decorative painter and subsequently worked as a graphic artist and stage designer. In the 1930s, he co-founded the Cabaret Cornichon, a major satirical theater in Zurich.

His collaboration with the writer Selina Chönz led to his most famous work as a book illustrator: "Schellen-Ursli" (1945). The illustrations of this children's book, which depicts the story of a boy from the Engadine, were celebrated by readers and critics alike and made Carigiet famous. Other successful children's books followed, such as "Flurina and the Wild Bird" and "The Big Snow."

In addition to his work as a book illustrator, Carigiet also worked as a painter. His paintings and prints often depict landscapes and scenes from his native Graubünden, reflecting his deep connection to the region.

Alois Carigiet has received numerous awards, including the first Swiss Children's and Young Adult Book Prize in 1966. His works remain an important part of Swiss culture and literature. Carigiet's artistic legacy lives on through his unique illustrations and striking landscape paintings.