The Life and Training of François Debon Born in Paris, France, on 2 December 1807, François Debon grew up in a city that was rapidly changing. He developed a dual interest in the fine arts and the sharp, observational world of caricature. This combination of skills allowed him to move between the serious demands of formal painting and the more biting, social commentary found in his caricatures. His formal education in art was shaped by the guidance of established masters. He spent his formative years studying under Antoine-Jean Gros and Abel de Pujol. These mentors provided the technical fo…