THE MASCOT GALLERY
FINE ART PRINTS BY REVERE LA NOUE
CELEBRATING THE HISTORY AND TRADITION BEHIND THE MASCOT
THE ORIGINAL BLUE DEVIL PRINT SERIES BY REVERE LA NOUE
THE BLUE DEVILS GALLERY
All imagery and artwork on this site is created and copyrighted by Revere La Noue, 2009.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING A U.S. SMALL BUSINESS AND AN INDEPENDENT ARTIST
THE TAR HEEL ABSTRACT,
On White
11 by 14 in.
Artist Signed, Open Edition
THE ORIGINAL BLUE DEVILS,
THE CAPE AND THE SPEAR
20 by 24 in.
Artist Signed, 300 Print Limited Edition
THE ORIGINAL BLUE DEVILS,
THE BLACK CAPE
16 by 20 in.
Artist Signed, Open Edition
THE ORIGINAL BLUE DEVILS, Les Diables Bleus
11 by 14 in.
Artist Signed, Open Edition
THE ORIGINAL BLUE DEVILS, The Devil’s Tail
11 by 14 in.
Artist Signed, Open Edition
THE ORIGINAL BLUE DEVILS, The Soldier’s Tail
11 by 14 in.
Artist Signed, Open Edition
Today the origin of the Duke University mascot is virtually forgotten, even though its instant, national recognition has long been established. Fans are often surprised to discover the Blue Devils' origin is more military and patriotic than religious. During World War I the Chasseurs Alpins, the French Alpine Light Infantry Battalion, nicknamed "les Diables Bleus" or "the Blue Devils," were well known, valiant soldiers. They first gained attention when their unique training and alpine knowledge was counted upon to break the stalemate of trench warfare in the French Alps. The Blue Devils won accolades for their courage. Their distinctive blue uniform, with flowing cape and jaunty beret, captured the public imagination. When the United States entered the war, units of the French Blue Devils toured the country helping raise money and recruit soldiers to the war effort. Irving Berlin captured their spirit in song describing them as "strong and active, most attractive . . . those Devils, the Blue Devils of France." In 1922, The Trinity Chronicle began the academic year referring to the Duke University athletic teams as the Blue Devils. The freshman class was comprised of the first post-war students, and the rest of the student body was full of returning veterans - at that time the mascot name needed no explanation.
