Born in November of 1861, Jean Mannheim (1861-1945) grew up in Kreuznach, Germany. At age seventeen, he left home and began to journey throughout Germany making a living by binding books and painting portraits on the side. Shortly after being drafted into the German army, Mannheim defected and traveled to Paris to learn English and began his art studies.
From 1884-1908, Mannheim settled in the US, calling both Decatur, Illinois and Denver, Colorado home at times, while continuing to travel back to Paris for his art studies at respected Paris schools, including the Academie Julian. During this time he married Eunice Drennan and the couple had two daughters, who were often portrayed in his work over the years.
