Born in 1892 in Noyelles-sur-Sambre, Marcel Gromaire began his education in Douai, in northern France. He later went to Paris, where he took up a course of study in law. While studying in Paris, he first became acquainted with the artists of Montparnasse. In his artistic development, during which he taught himself, Marcel Gromaire was influenced by such painters as Matisse, Cézanne, and later by Fernand Léger. Gromaire served as a soldier in the First World War from 1912 until being wounded in 1916. His experiences and impressions from this time strongly influenced his development. Returning to Paris in 1919, he worked as a film critic at first. A year later, Gromaire met his future patron, Dr. Girardin, who supported his artistic production for decades. Finally in 1903, Gromaire's work was recognized and appreciated in his exhibition in the De Bâle art gallery. Gromaire was responsible for the decoration of the pavilion of the porcelain manufacturer Séveres at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1937. From 1933 to 1944, Gromaire participated in the renewal of the tapestry movement and therefore belongs to the pioneers of a new Gobelin tradition. Going to the United States in 1950, Gromaire received the renowned Carnegie Prize two years later. Marcel Gromaire died in Paris in 1971.