Max Jacob

Date of Birth: July 12, 1876

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: March 5, 1944

Biography

Max Jacob was a French poet, painter, writer, and critic born on July 12, 1876, in Quimper, Brittany, France. He is best known for his works that blend surrealism and symbolism, and for being a prominent figure in the early 20th-century Parisian art scene. Jacob was a close friend of Pablo Picasso and was deeply involved in the avant-garde movements that defined the era. He converted to Catholicism in 1915, a decision that significantly influenced his later works. Jacob’s poetry often explored themes of mysticism, religion, and existentialism. Despite facing hardships, including persecution during World War II due to his Jewish heritage, he remained a prolific writer until his death. He passed away on March 5, 1944, in Drancy, France, a victim of the Holocaust.

5 Interesting Facts about Max Jacob

1. Max Jacob was originally trained as an artist before focusing on poetry and writing.

2. He was one of the earliest friends of Pablo Picasso when the latter arrived in Paris.

3. Jacob’s conversion to Catholicism in 1915 was inspired by a vision of Christ.

4. He was arrested by the Gestapo in February 1944 and died in the Drancy internment camp.

5. Jacob’s work significantly influenced the surrealist movement and he was a mentor to many young artists and writers.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Max Jacob

1. “Friendship is far more tragic than love. It lasts longer.”

2. “One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar.”

3. “Poetry is a sort of homecoming.”

4. “The poet must invent new worlds and possibilities.”

5. “Art is the means we have of undoing the damage of haste. It’s what everything else isn’t.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Max Jacob did not achieve significant financial wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but his influence and legacy in the arts have been invaluable.