The French painter, illustrator and Art Deco designer Leo Fontan was interested in art from an early age, taking classes at the art academy in Tours and continuing his studies in Paris. To support himself, Fontan provided illustrations for magazines such as 'La Vie Parisienne' and 'Le Sourire' and designed the covers of Arsène Lupin's first books. As an all-round artist, he also designs posters, furniture and the decoration of ocean liners. During the First World War, Fontan painted many landscapes and still lifes, especially in Touraine and the Cote d'Azur.