Raymond Duchamp, known as « Duchamp-Villon, » was born on November 5, 1876, in Damville (Eure). He was the second of six children, and notably, four of them fully committed to the arts: Gaston Duchamp, known as “Jacques Villon” (1875-1963), Marcel Duchamp (1887-1967), and Suzanne Duchamp (1889-1963).

In 1894, following his father’s encouragement, Raymond embarked on medical studies in Paris. He lived with his brother Jacques Villon, who had already embraced an art career, in Montmartre. Together, they actively participated in meetings with young artists. In 1898, after being struck by acute rheumatism that forced him to leave his medical studies, Raymond decisively turned to sculpture. Recognizing his undeniable passion for the medium, he dedicated himself entirely to it. To emphasize his artistic lineage, he adopted the name « Raymond Duchamp-Villon. » The distinct Art Nouveau style characterized his initial works.