Luxembourg's Jean Jacoby Makes History With Back-to-Back Olympic Painting Golds
Luxembourg's Jean Jacoby, born in 1891, made history at the 1924 Paris Olympics. He won the first-ever Olympic gold medal in painting with his triptych 'Étude de Sport'. Four years later, he became the first to defend an Olympic title in painting, winning gold again at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics with 'Rugby'.
Jacoby's Olympic journey began in 1924. He competed in the newly introduced painting event at the Paris Olympics. His work, a triptych titled 'Étude de Sport', impressed the judges, securing him the gold medal. He beat renowned artists like Jack Butler Yeats, younger brother of Irish poet WB Yeats.
Four years later, Jacoby returned to defend his title at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. This time, his gold-winning piece was 'Rugby'. He became the first to defend an Olympic title in painting.
Before his Olympic success, Jacoby worked as an illustrator and artistic adviser for Ullstein publishers in Berlin. After his victories, Luxembourg issued stamps featuring his artworks in 1952. However, he did not compete in the 1936 Munich Olympics due to Nazi preferences for grand, muscular art.
Jean Jacoby's Olympic gold medals in painting remain Luxembourg's only such victories in the event. His wins accounted for two-thirds of the country's total Olympic medal haul. His art continues to be celebrated, with Luxembourg issuing stamps featuring his works in 1952.
