RUDE François (17784-1855)

Rude moves to Paris in 1807 to work in Gaule and Cartellier's workshops. He won the first Grand Prix de Rome in 1812 and will later move to Belgium for a few years where he becomes the official sculptor of Guillaume the first. Back to Paris, he will exhibit at the Salon in 1834 and the Exposition Internationale in 1855. One of his biggest works, “Le Départ des volontaires” was criticized for its boldness, power and energy. Rude's sculptures were cast by Barbedienne, Susse or Thiébaut.