Herold Jacques

Artist Biography

Jacques Hérold, pseudonym of Herold Blumer, is a Franco-Romanian painter, sculptor and illustrator born in Piatra Neamț, Romania, on October 10, 1910, and died in Paris on January 11, 1987. He is linked to the surrealist movement and had a prolific career influenced by his friendships with major figures such as André Breton and Victor Brauner.
Born into a Jewish family, Jacques Hérold spent his childhood in Piatra Neamț, Galați, Mărășești, Fălticeni, and finally Bucharest, where he took drawing classes alongside his studies. In 1927, he was admitted to the Bucharest School of Fine Arts, where he studied under Ion Theodorescu-Sion.
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He moved to Paris in 1930 and quickly became friends with figures in the Surrealist movement. His work evolved to explore themes such as crystallization and the movement of objects and figures. Hérold is known for his depictions of flayed beings, illustrating a reflection on form and matter.
During the 1940s, he took refuge in the south of France during World War II, where he collaborated with other surrealists. He continued to evolve artistically, exploring texture and form in his works. In 1948-1949, his painting diversified, and he began a period of fragmentations, shattering the mineral world.
Jacques Hérold had a rich career, illustrating literary works and participating in numerous exhibitions. He left a lasting legacy within surrealism, and his works are still celebrated for their originality and depth.