Nahum Gutman, born on October 5, 1898, became one of the key figures in Israeli painting. His contribution to the art and culture of the country is hard to overestimate. Gutman was born in a Jewish agricultural colony in Teleneshty, in present-day Moldova. In 1903, his family moved to Odessa, where he began his education at a school teaching in Hebrew. In 1905, the Gutman family moved to Palestine, where Nahum first encountered the world of art, seeing an artist at work.

After his mother's death in 1910, Nahum was raised by his grandmother. During this time, he began to draw and enrolled in the Herzliya Gymnasium. In 1913, he went to Jerusalem to study at the Bezalel School of Arts, where his mentors were Boris Schatz and Abel Pan. During World War I, the school temporarily closed, and Gutman had to earn a living through seasonal work.

After the war, Nahum went to Europe, where he continued his painting studies in Vienna, Berlin, and Paris. During this period, he illustrated books by famous Jewish writers. Returning to Tel Aviv in 1926, he became part of the group 'Artists of the Land of Israel,' uniting young talents. In 1928, Gutman got married, and he had a son.

From 1929, he began working at the Ohel Theater, creating sets and costumes. In 1931, Gutman became a permanent illustrator for the children's supplement of the Davar newspaper, where he worked for 35 years. His first solo exhibition took place in 1932, solidifying his status as a well-known artist.

In 1934, Gutman visited the Republic of South Africa, where he also held exhibitions. In the 1940s, he began publishing children's books with his own illustrations. In the 1960s, Gutman mastered mosaic art, and his works adorned many buildings in Israel.

Nahum Gutman passed away on November 28, 1980, leaving behind a rich legacy of paintings, books, and mosaics. His contribution to Israeli culture and art continues to inspire new generations. In Tel Aviv, in the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, there is a museum dedicated to his work, housing the most complete collection of his works.