Charles Le Coeur (1830-1906) : an Architect and Early Admirer of Renoir

A little-known architect, Charles Le Coeur gave shape under the Third Republic to the policies of Victor Duruy and Jules Ferry, who advocated universal schooling. He elaborated the typology of the lycées (senior high schools) in Paris (Condorcet, Fénelon, Montaigne, Louis-Le-Grand) and outside Paris (Bayonne, Aix-en-Provence, Montluçon). Giving free rein to his taste for polychromy, he also completed numerous spa establishments, for example the apex of his career, the Vichy ensemble, with its casino and theatre. He also worked for private customers from the European political and artistic aristocracy. His story is linked with that of Renoir, who painted his portrait and whose beginnings were encouraged by the Le Coeur family.