Early Life and Artistic Foundations Claude Ramey, born in Dijon, France, on October 29th, 1754, emerged from a modest artisan family—his father was a master grain sifter. This upbringing, though not steeped in the world of high art, provided an early exposure to craftsmanship and meticulous detail that would later inform his sculptural practice. Ramey’s initial artistic training took place at the École de Dessin in Dijon under the guidance of François Devosge III, where he demonstrated a natural aptitude for drawing and form. Recognizing his potential, his family encouraged him to pursue fur…