The only information we have on the life of Alfred Jaccard (19th-20th century) is that he had trained as an engraver and became a patient at Cery psychiatric asylum*, where the director – Professor Hans Steck – took an interest in his works.

Jaccard made his drawings in graphite pencil on sheets of used paper and in notebooks. His production reveals a certain technical ability, particularly in his use of perspective and grey shading achieved through hatching, as well as in certain somewhat conventional compositions. His subjects included popular themes such as portraits and hat designs, and naturalistic ones like flowers, animals, and mountain landscapes. Some include elements of social and political critique.