Nude with Japanese screen - Auguste LEROUX (1871-1954)

Auguste Leroux 1871-1954

Auguste Leroux began his artistic training at the École nationale supérieure des arts décoratifs in Paris, where he was introduced to drawing through fashion work and illustrations.

Then, in 1892, he entered the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris in the studio of master artist Léon Bonnat, where he won a series of awards in his first year, testifying to his precocious virtuosity in the art of drawing.

One award followed another: he successively won the figure and torso prizes, which naturally led him to compete for the prestigious Prix de Rome.

In 1894, he won with Judith Presenting the Head of Holofernes to the Inhabitants of Bethulia, confirming his mastery of major historical subjects.

Back in France, Leroux began his official career. From 1898 onwards, he exhibited regularly at the Salon des Artistes Français. His reputation grew rapidly, thanks in particular to a bronze medal he won at the 1900 World's Fair.

At the same time, he participated in major decorative projects, notably the creation of mosaics for the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre, as well as for various public buildings.

Auguste Leroux devoted a large part of his life to teaching, holding a position as professor at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris for nearly thirty years.

He also taught at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière, renowned for its free and open teaching methods.

His contribution to the art world was recognized with high honors: he was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor and, in 1933, received the Jean-Jacques-Henner Prize for his entire body of work.