Biography

Charles Malfray was a prominent French sculptor born on July 19, 1887, in Orléans, France. He was the son of a stonemason and pursued his education at the École des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans before furthering his studies at the School of Decorative Arts in Paris and the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts. Despite his formal education, Malfray was drawn to the avant-garde art scene, particularly influenced by the works of Auguste Rodin and Antoine Bourdelle. Malfray's career was significantly impacted by his experiences during World War I, where he was gassed and participated in the Battle of Verdun. These experiences deeply affected him and were reflected in his work, notably in the war memorials he created with his brother in Pithiviers and Orleans, which were noted for their modernist style. In 1920, he received the Prix Blumenthal, a testament to his artistic prowess, although his health issues nearly led him to abandon sculpture. In 1931, Malfray was appointed by Aristide Maillol as a professor at the Académie Ranson in Paris, where he mentored several future artists. His legacy includes not only his sculptures but also the influence he had on his students. Malfray passed away on May 28, 1940, in Dijon, leaving behind a significant impact on French sculpture.