After studying at the Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Jacques Martin became director of the Coignet factory, which specialises in the production of concrete. Around 1878, he became interested in painting as a self-taught artist and set up a studio in his factory. The Lyon painter François Vernay (1821-1896) encouraged him and gave him advice. Thus, from 1881, he presented his work in the salons of Lyon and Paris.
Jacques Martin's style is characterized by the use of a generous paste, flamboyant colors and light that make his compositions vibrate. Coloured mixtures are cleverly used; The painter poses alongside the pure colour secondary colours or intermediate tones, creating a harmonious colourful melody.