Events Leisure maps
en
  • Home
  • Žakas Lipšicas

Žakas Lipšicas

Jacques Lipchitz (1891-1973) was a Lithuanian sculptor of Jewish origin, a celebrated prominent figure of the Cubist movement. He lived and worked across various countries which included France, the USA, Israel, and Italy.Born on 22 August 1891 in Druskininkai, Lithuania, Lipchitz began his education at the local Jewish school before attending the Bialystok Commercial School and Vilnius Gymnasium. Initially studying engineering between 1906 and 1909, he later shifted his focus to art, honing his skills at the Vilnius Drawing School. In 1909 he ventured to Paris to pursue a more formal art training.Jacques Lipchitz had not yet approached cubism in 1911-1912 but, by 1913-1914, Lipchitz had already begun to explore Cubist stylistics, showcasing noticeable creative innovations. By 1915 he had fully embraced Cubism, joining the ranks of renowned cubists such as Picasso, Braque, Gris, Leger, and Laurens. The years spanning 1915-1930 marked the zenith of his career, one which was characterised by his adherence to Cubist expression.

However, Lipchitz’s artistic trajectory underwent a significant shift from 1930 onwards, one which was marked by a departure from strict geometric planes to embrace sleeker, rounder forms which were infused with plasticity. His sculptural silhouettes began to meander and pulsate, showcasing a new creative direction.

Lipchitz passed away on 16 May 1973 in Capri, Italy. Following his death, his remains were laid to rest in Jerusalem.

The sculptor’s major awards include:

  • Medal of achievement (1969), American Institute of Architects, New York
  • Award of merit (1969), Yeshiva University medical centre, New York
  • Gold medal (1966), Academy of Arts and Letters, New York
  • Award for cultural achievement (1965), Boston University, Boston
  • Honorary Doctor of Laws (1965), Jewish Theological Seminary, New York
  • Brandeis ‘Creative Arts Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Arts’, Brandeis University, Waltham (1958)
  • The George D Widener memorial gold medal for the sculpture, ‘Prometheus Strangling Vulture’ (1952), Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia
  • Order of the Legion of Honour of France, Paris (1946)
  • Gold medal for the sculpture, ‘Prometheus Strangling Vulture’ (1936), World’s Fair, Paris
  • First prize in the sculpture category (1909), Académie Julian, Paris.