1950, France. C.S.A.G. PRIX DU FAIRPLAY. By Louis Muller (1902-1957). Bronze 69mm. $125.

Louis Muller was born on February 22 1902 at Vénissieux into a family of modest means. He started to work with metals at the age of 13. He was apprenticed to various jewelers and silversmiths in Lyon. After completing his national service in 1923 he entered the atelier of sculptor Jean-Baptiste Larrivé at the École des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. He later moved to Paris where he studied under Sculpture under Henri Bouchard and medal engraving under Henry Dropsy and Auguste Patey. Muller also studied at the private academy established by Andr? Lavrillier. In 1929 he won the second prix de Rome in medal engraving and in 1932 won the premier prix de Rome. Muller worked for the Monnaie de Paris and for various private makers of medals. He died at Antony in 1957.

Henry Dropsy was born in Paris on January 21, 1885, into a family of sculptors.  He learned his craft under his father Jean-Baptiste Émile Dropsy. He later studied at l’École Supérieure des Beaux Arts. He was a professor of medal engraving at the school for many years. Dropsy became a member of the Institut in 1942 and a member of the Commission Administrative and of the Commission du Dictionaire. He created many medals. A large collection of his work is held at the Monnaie de Paris, which put on a special exhibition of his medals in 1964, the catalogue for which remains a standard reference. His earliest works are in the art nouveau style. His style evolved considerably over his long career. Dropsy died at Veneux-Les-Sablon on November 2, 1969.