Born in Russia, Eli Jacobi's specialty was block printing. He studied in Europe and Asia before coming to the US in 1920. He also studied at the Art Students League, The National Academy of Design, and The Grand Central School of Art.. He was successful as a magazine and book illustrator before returning to painting in 1930. He exhibited at the Chicago Art Institute, Museum of Modern Art and the National Arts Club. He worked as a WPA artist and was a contributing illustrator to Nation, Saturday Review and Living Age.