Jacques Lehmann Dit Nam (1881-1974) - "two Monkeys In The Lianas"

Engraved Chinese lacquer panel Original frame Monogram at the top right Bears a cartel with the words Jacques NAM on the lower part of the frame Circa 1925/30 Dimensions: 75 x 52.5 cm Very good state of conservation Bibliography and related work : Jacques NAM – Catalog of the exhibition organized from April 1 to July 2, 1995 at the AG Poulain Municipal Museum in Vernon (Eure). BIOGRAPHY: Jacques LEHMANN known as NAM (1881-1974) Animal painter and sculptor. Born on September 11, 1881 in Paris, from a family of musicians, Jacques NAM (pseudonym of Jacques LEHMANN), began at a young age to pencil in his notebooks and draw his parents' cat. In 1898, a student at the School of Fine Arts, he entered the studio of Louis-Léon GEROME. For a year, he worked in this workshop. This master encouraged him to draw wild animals and all other animals. He went to the Antwerp Zoological Garden where he brought back studies of wild animals, birds of prey and reptiles; from the Pasteur Institute he painted chimpanzees and orangutans. In 1900, he was 19 years old. To earn a living, he began with humorous drawings in almost all publications such as: Le Rire - Le Sourire - Le Bon Vivant - La Vie Parisienne - La Baïonnette. In Le Figaro - La Liberté - and at the request of Franc Nohain in L'Echo de Paris, he caricatures political life. And it is again at Hachette - Flammarion - Delagrave that we discover his talent as an illustrator. Among the famous writers we remember the “seven dialogues of Beasts” written by Colette. A long friendship followed. “Dingo” by Mirbeau, “Les civilisés” by Farrère, “Our heart” by Maupassant and many other books by authors are illustrated by him. At the same time as he worked for publishers he devoted himself to painting, especially animals, and to the study of new techniques. He ventured into lacquer, creating screens, decorative panels, and interior decorations to order. Quite naturally, he moved towards sculpture. Cats are his favorite models and some are reproduced by the Manufacture de Sèvres and Quimper. Mobilized in 1915, he asked to be assigned to the “camouflage” section. He was demobilized in 1919. During the war of 1914/18, he executed a whole series of sketches and drawings, which are currently at the Musée des Deux Guerres at Les Invalides in Paris. 1921, he obtained a scholarship and left for Tunisia. He brought back numerous watercolors of Arab Women as well as a travel diary, recounting his adventure. 1935, he published "Cats" an album of five etchings accompanied by a text by COLETTE. In Vichy, in 1940 he attended the historic sessions of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate constituted as the National Assembly and took notes. A manuscript of his historical moments is part of his niece's private collection. Numerous drawings and caricatures of parliamentarians are also gathered at the Museum of the Two Wars. 1960, published by Éditions Mondiales "EUX MES CHATS", a collection, now out of print, comprising 45 poems that he wrote about cats and which he illustrated with 70 drawings. A complete artist, he composes music as well as a series of songs which are published by RICORDI and ROUART-LEROLL. He produces albums, radio broadcasts and children's tours for children. 1964 was the last year in which he exhibited in Paris, but in 1971, at the age of 90, he participated in London with Théophile Alexandre STEINLEN, in an exhibition on the theme of CAT. During his life, Jacques Nam rubbed shoulders with many artists, men of letters, political figures… Among his friends we can cite Jean COCTEAU, Paul LEAUTAUD, Dr MERY, Jean CASSOU and many others. Jacques NAM died in his studio on rue Nicolo, in Paris, on February 22, 1974, at the age of 93. Sold with invoice and certificate Very good state of conservation General delivery conditions: We organize delivery worldwide. A quote on request will be provided to you at the time of your purchase. Paris-Manaus Gallery