Max Jacob Quotes

A collection of quotes by Max Jacob.

Max Jacob (1876-1944) was a French poet, writer, and painter. Born on July 12, 1876, in Quimper, France, Jacob initially studied law in Paris before pursuing a career as an artist and writer. He quickly became associated with the avant-garde circle in Montmartre, befriending artists such as Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau.

Jacob's early works were influenced by Symbolism and Surrealism, but he is often regarded as one of the precursors to the Cubist movement. He experimented with various artistic mediums, including poetry, novels, plays, and painting. His poetry collections, infused with religious themes and mystical elements, gained critical acclaim.

Although Jacob was known for his artistic achievements, his personal life faced turmoil. As a Jew, he faced increasing persecution during the rise of Nazi power in Europe. In 1944, during the German occupation of France, he was arrested and deported to a concentration camp, where he tragically died from pneumonia on March 5, 1944.

Max Jacob's diverse body of work continues to be celebrated in the world of art and literature. His contributions to the early 20th-century avant-garde movement, his unique blend of symbolism and experimentation, and his tragic fate during World War II all contribute to his lasting legacy as a significant figure of French art and literature.