Polyte, alias Albert Gantner

Albert Gantner, also known by the alias Polyte, was a Swiss artist and caricaturist active around the turn of the 20th century. He was known for his satirical illustrations and caricatures, often published in newspapers and magazines of the time. While not as widely recognized today as some other artists of his era, Gantner's work reflected the social and political climate of Switzerland during that period.

Polyte collaborated with the Geneva-based printer Louis Bron. Together, they worked on a satirical and humorous weekly publication called “Guguss’”, which was first issued in October 1894.

Albert Gantner, under the pseudonym Polyte, contributed illustrations for “Guguss’”, along with other artists such as Noël Fontanet and René Pellarin, known as Pellos. The weekly was popular, autographed, and small in format, costing only ten centimes. It was known for its satirical take on military and political manners, members of the Free Church, and it often made fun of the people from Vaud in a very oral and mocking style characteristic of Saint-Gervais.

The publication faced censorship during World War I; it was banned in 1914 for mocking the Kaiser and was renamed “Petit Suisse” until 1917. After the war, it resumed its original name and continued until its final issue in December 1936. “Guguss’” was aligned with young radicals and anarchist trends, reflecting a critical and humorous perspective on society at the time.