Pierre Bataille hails from the small village in Normandy, France, Saint Sauveur-le Vicomte, which is also the home of the famous l9th century controversial French novelist and critique, Barbey d'Aurevilly, whose brilliant writings, haughty independence, and "perfect egotism" has propelled him into an "object d'art", and made him a prominent figure in literary circles. His attire was his unique signature, and as precious to him as the written word.
In 1986, as a tribute to his fellow countryman and artist, and in dedication of the recently constructed Barbey d'Aurevilly school, Pierre Bataille carved, in bas relief, an illustration of four of Barbey's stories. Pierre Bataille is the first sculptor and probably the only sculptor to do a "bas relief" in wood of Barbey's tales. In this photo, we are discussing Barbey d'Aurevilly's works. For a detailed view of the panels, click on photo above.