Early Life and Training François Rude was born in Dijon, France, on January 4, 1784, the son of a coppersmith/locksmith. His early life involved assisting his father's trade before demonstrating artistic talent. He attended François Devosges’s École de Dessin in Dijon, showcasing his burgeoning skills. Under the patronage of Louis Frémiet, he began studying with Pierre Cartellier in Paris at the studio of Edme Gaulle in 1805. In 1809, his work started gaining recognition, earning him several awards. He won the Prix de Rome in 1812 but was unable to travel due to political conditi…