The Life of Claudius Lavergne
Claudius Lavergne was a French artist primarily known for his work in stained glass. Born in Lyon, he began his education at a school associated with the Basilica of Saint-Martin d'Ainay and later attended the École nationale supérieure des beaux-arts de Lyon, studying under Claude Bonnefond. In 1834, he traveled to the French Academy in Rome to study with Ingres. His first exhibition at the Salon took place in 1838, featuring a painting of Jesus surrounded by children.
In addition to his work as a glass painter, Lavergne served as an art critic for L'Univers illustré and worked as an architectural inspector alongside Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. He also held the position of President of the Union of Master Glassmakers until his death.
Artistic Contributions and Achievements
Lavergne’s career included significant commissions and restorations. In 1853, he produced a mural in the chapel of the Château de Châtillon-d'Azergues. He was later commissioned to design and create twelve windows depicting the twelve apostles for the chapel at the Hôpital Lariboisière, which led him to open his first workshop in Paris. His restorative work spanned several notable locations, including:
- The Chapels in the Château de Versailles
- The Château de Blois
- The Church of Saint-Léonard in Alençon
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Noyon
- Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes
Other notable works include a stained glass window for the Chapel of St. Augustine in Notre-Dame-des-Victoires depicting Louis XIII consecrating France to Mary, and a "Crucifixion" located behind the choir of the same chapel. For his work, he was named a Commander in the Order of St. Gregory the Great.
