Nam (Lehmann), Jacques

Nam (Lehmann), Jacques (1881-1974) – A gouache drawing by Nam of two cats on a Parisian zinc roof. This is the drawing which was made for the execution for a lacquered panel. France – 1945. Measurements include the framing (behind art glass). Height: 50 cms. Width: 90 cms.

This versatile artist specialized mostly in drawings, paintings, lacquered panels and also some bronzes. Mainly of cats and wild animals which he studied, as many artists of this period did, at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris and the famous Zoo in Antwerp. He was also a poet and close friend of the French writer Colette with whom he shared his passion for cats, he also illustrated a book “Chats” for Colette who said about Nam: “Il n’y a pas des chats plus chats que les chats de Nam” (There are no cats more cat than the cats from Nam). He was awarded a golden medal on the Parisian “Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et industrielles modernes” and was awarded ‘chevalier l’égion d’honneur’ in 1926. His work is to be found in the collection of many private owners world wide and by museums, a.o. in “La Piscine” in Roubaix.