Nature morte aux paniers d'osier, 1972

Pierre Jouffroy  

French artist was born September 21, 1912 in Voujeaucourt, he is the 13th child (out of 14) in a family of carpenters from the Loue valley.

His grandfather François accompanied Gustave Courbet "on the ground" by bringing him his equipment. Attracted very young by painting, self-taught, he exhibited in 1931 at the Salon des Indépendants in Paris where he was quickly recognized. Winner of several grand prizes (including that of La Critique in 1944), his works have been acquired by numerous French and international museums as well as by major collectors.

A book retracing his life and his work will be dedicated to him, written by Michèle Haddad, prefaced by André Besson, under the title Pierre Jouffroy, the passion for reality in the 20th century. Himself an art lover and collector, he would become a recognized specialist in Gustave Courbet's work and lead his artistic career and the restoration of the Château de Belvoir from 1955 to 2000, the date of his death. He will also be an ardent defender of heritage, both civil and religious, nobleman or peasant, urban or country.

The castle houses, in addition to the works of the painter, a collection of antique furniture and art objects.

Pierre Jouffroy died in Belvoir on October 11, 2000; according to his wishes he was buried in the cemetery of Voujeaucourt.