Jack-Alain Léger's Suicide and Final Correspondence
On July 17, 2013, French author Jack-Alain Léger tragically took his own life by leaping from the eighth floor of his Paris residence. Renowned for works such as 'Vivre me tue' and 'Zanzaro circus' (art press issue 387, March 2012), his last publication was 'Hé bien ! la guerre.' Léger battled Thévenard's disease and was on the brink of financial collapse, facing eviction and mounting debts. His art collection was being liquidated at drastically reduced prices, including a 1st-century Fayum portrait, which was valued between €25,000 and €30,000 but offered for just €1,500 to €2,000. Following a manic episode, he was hospitalized and gained over 30 kilos due to antidepressants. His letters to Jacques Henric highlighted his deep despair. He also appeared on 'La Grande Librairie' on February 9, 2012.
Key facts
- Jack-Alain Léger died by suicide on July 17, 2013, jumping from his eighth-floor Paris apartment.
- He was a major French writer, author of 'Vivre me tue' and 'Zanzaro circus'.
- His last book was 'Hé bien ! la guerre'.
- He suffered from Thévenard's disease, a rare neurological condition.
- He faced financial ruin, with bailiffs assessing his assets and an eviction notice.
- His art collection was being sold at drastically low prices.
- Lawyer Emmanuel Pierrat became his executor and placed his artworks under judicial protection.
- He was hospitalized in a psychiatric clinic after a manic episode.
Entities
Artists
- Jack-Alain Léger
- Emmanuel Pierrat
- Jacques Henric
- Francis Bacon
- Cekùn
Institutions
- art press
- Marlborough Gallery London
- Marlborough Gallery Zurich
- Galerie Lelong Paris
- Musée Guimet
- Clinique Jeanne d'Arc
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Saint-Mandé
- Boulevard Arago
- Glacière
- Gobelins
Sources
- artpress —