Jacques Lipchitz

Date of Birth: August 22, 1891

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: May 16, 1973

Biography

Jacques Lipchitz, born Chaim Jacob Lipchitz, was a prominent sculptor known for his contributions to the Cubist movement. Born on August 22, 1891, in Druskininkai, Lithuania, Lipchitz moved to Paris in 1909 to pursue his artistic career. He enrolled at the École des Beaux-Arts and the Académie Julian, where he was influenced by the works of Pablo Picasso and other avant-garde artists. Lipchitz’s early works were characterized by their abstract forms and innovative use of space, materials, and geometric shapes. During his career, Lipchitz became a leading figure in the Cubist movement. His sculptures often depicted fragmented human figures, animals, and mythological subjects. Notable works include “Man with a Guitar” (1915), “Seated Man with a Clarinet” (1920), and “Prometheus Strangling the Vulture” (1944). In 1941, Lipchitz fled the Nazi regime and emigrated to the United States, where he continued to create and exhibit his work. He became a U.S. citizen in 1958 and settled in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Lipchitz’s later works often incorporated religious and political themes, reflecting his Jewish heritage and experiences during World War II. Lipchitz’s contributions to modern sculpture have been widely recognized, and his works are featured in major museums and collections worldwide. He passed away on May 16, 1973, in Capri, Italy.

5 Interesting Facts about Jacques Lipchitz

1. Jacques Lipchitz was a close friend and collaborator of Pablo Picasso, and they influenced each other’s work significantly.

2. He was one of the first sculptors to adopt Cubism, a style more commonly associated with painting.

3. Lipchitz’s bronze sculpture “The Cry” (1940) is considered one of his masterpieces and a powerful commentary on the human condition.

4. He was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 1964 for his contributions to art.

5. Lipchitz’s autobiography, “My Life in Sculpture,” was published posthumously in 1972, offering insights into his creative process and personal life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jacques Lipchitz

1. “Art is an action against death. It is a denial of death.”

2. “Cubism is the art of depicting new wholes with formal elements borrowed not only from the reality of vision, but from that of conception.”

3. “My aim in sculpture has always been to make the work as alive as possible.”

4. “Every art is a cry of freedom.”

5. “The artist is always searching for the meaning of life, his own and that of his fellow man.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jacques Lipchitz’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his sculptures are highly valued and have sold for millions at auction.

Children

Jacques Lipchitz had one son, Hanno Lipchitz, who was born in 1928. Hanno followed in his father’s footsteps and became involved in the arts, although not as a sculptor.