Raymond Duchamp-Villon was a formidable force in the artistic and intellectual landscape of his time. As a prominent writer and groundbreaking sculptor, he made a definitive impact with some of the most striking works of his generation. His portrait of « Baudelaire », displayed at the 1911 Salon d’Automne, showcases highly simplified volumes and radiates a commanding seriousness. Duchamp-Villon pushed the boundaries further with his bust of « Maggy », whose geometric construction and exaggerated features boldly assert his place within the realm of Cubist thought.

His commitment to the architecture of form reached new heights when he designed the façade of a private mansion, « La Maison Cubiste », for a decorative arts ensemble led by André Mare at the 1912 Salon d’Automne. This audacious work ignited a scandal that reverberated all the way to the French Chamber of Deputies, where Marcel Sembat passionately defended the Cubists. Duchamp-Villon’s contributions were not just significant; they undeniably reshaped the trajectory of modern art.