Early Life and Education Born: July 18, 1829, Nogent-sur-Seine, France Initially studied law to please his father, a notary. Abandoned legal studies to pursue sculpture. Influenced by the work of his great-uncle, Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. Debut at the Paris Salon in 1857 under the name Dubois-Pigalle. Studied at the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts under Armand Toussaint. Traveled to Rome in 1860, studying and copying classical sculptures. Career and Artistic Development Resided in Rome for four years, developing his skills and artistic style. Awarded "une médaille de 2° clas…