Irenee Rochard was born in Villefranche Sur Saune in 1906. He was a French decorative sculptor best known for his Art Deco style. He specialized in animal and bird sculptures. At leaving the Ecole des Breaux- Arts at the age of 22, he won a first prize for a life size panther sculpture and winning many awards throughout his career. In 1938 he became a member of the society of French artists , winning a gold medal at the Colonial Exhibition in 1931. He sculpted many animals, birds, horses, gazelles, dogs and panthers all in the Art Deco style. He used ceramics, wood, granite, spelter and marble but especially bronze. He sold many items to the city of Paris and New York. He was a highly regarded artist, who produced stunning pieces of sculpture. He died in 1984