Frans Jochems

FRANS JOCHEMS (Antwerp, Belgium, 1880-1949)
"Monkey"
Patinated bronze.
Signed.
With Belgian foundry stamp "Schielynck Brongiet Herbutt".
Measurements: 31 × 20 × 20.5 cm.

The sculptor Frans Jochems, recognized for his outstanding skill in the representation of the animal world, demonstrates in this work his refined ability to capture the natural attitude and expressiveness of the creatures. The sculpture depicts a monkey sitting on its buttocks, its body slightly tilted, in a posture that conveys curiosity and attention, as if the animal is observing something on the ground with which it is about to interact.

Frans Paul Jochems showed an interest in the fine arts from a very young age. He was only twelve years old when he was apprenticed to the lithographer Julien in 't Feld and took classes at the Saint-Lucas Institute in Antwerp. His talent did not take long to manifest itself and he had the opportunity to study at the Antwerp Academy and the Higher Institute of Fine Arts. There he was a pupil of Thomas Vinçotte. He also worked in the workshop of Frans Joris, Josué Dupon and Frans Deckers. Shortly after finishing his studies, Frans Jochems was awarded the Van Lerius and De Keyser prizes. He received numerous commissions from public and private organizations. He made study trips to Paris, Germany and London where he worked for a time. His heyday was from 1918 until the beginning of the great crisis of the thirties. In fact, thereafter began a difficult period for many artists that would last until the end of World War II in 1945. He was a member of various artistic circles, such as Ken U zelf, Wij, Kring der Antwerpse kunsthouwers, and later Pictura, VBKB (Association of Professional Artists of Belgium) and Ronde Tafel. He participated in numerous exhibitions. In 1925, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs awarded him the honorary distinction of Knight of the Order of the Crown for all his work.