Claudius Lavergne
Claudius Lavergne | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Lyon, France |
| Died | December 31, 1887 (aged 72) Paris, France |
| Occupation(s) | Painter, stained glass artist, art critic, inspector of historical monuments |
| Known for | Stained glass art, art criticism, restoration of historical stained glass |
Claudius Lavergne (10 December 1815 – 31 December 1887) was a distinguished French painter known for his expertise in stained glass art. In addition to his artistic pursuits, he contributed as an art critic and held the position of inspector for historical monuments.
Biography
Lavergne was born in Lyon to Marin Lavergne (1796–1881), who specialized in painting heraldic designs and carriage decorations. His formative education was connected to the Basilica of Saint-Martin d'Ainay, after which he enrolled at the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts de Lyon, studying under Claude Bonnefond. He further advanced his training with Dominique Ingres at the French Academy in Rome.
His first exhibition occurred in 1838 at the Salon, where he presented a religious-themed painting. Due to health concerns, Lavergne returned to France in 1840 and became a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. Four years later, he wed Julie Ozaneaux, daughter of author Georges Ozaneaux. Together, they had nine children, among whom Georges-Claudius Lavergne (1847–1923) emerged as a prominent master glassmaker.
Lavergne’s initial significant project was a mural completed in 1853 at the Château de Châtillon-d'Azergues. During the reign of the Second French Empire in 1856, sculptor Émilien de Nieuwerkerke commissioned him to create twelve stained glass panels portraying the twelve apostles for the chapel at Hôpital Lariboisière. This commission led Lavergne to establish his inaugural workshop in Paris.
His collaboration with architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, serving as an inspector, enhanced his mastery and eventually resulted in founding a stained glass painting studio that was later passed on to his sons Georges and Noël. Lavergne also held the presidency of the Union of Master Glassmakers until his passing and contributed art criticism to L'Univers illustré.
He undertook restoration work on important stained glass installations located in prestigious venues such as the chapels within the Château de Versailles and Château de Blois, as well as cathedrals like Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Noyon and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes. These efforts earned him the distinction of Commander in the Order of St. Gregory the Great.
Among his original creations are stained glass windows for the Chapel of St. Augustine in Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, Paris, which depict King Louis XIII dedicating France to Mary, along with a "Crucifixion" scene positioned behind the choir area.
Lavergne passed away in Paris shortly after turning 72 years old and was laid to rest at the Cemetery of Saint-Louis, Versailles.