Jeanne Champion, born on June 25, 1931, near Lons-le-Saunier, France, is a multifaceted artist and writer who has made significant contributions to the world of art and literature.
Growing up in a peasant environment, Champion is largely self-taught, and her artistic journey began in 1956 when she started painting. Over the years, she produced numerous works, although she has admitted to destroying many of her creations due to her high standards. Despite this, she left behind a remarkable body of work, comprising over 200 paintings and a substantial number of engravings.
Champion's writing career began in 1961, and she has since written numerous novels, biographies, and documentaries. Her fictionalized biography of Suzanne Valadon, a French artist and model, earned her the prestigious Prix Goncourt de la biographie in 1984. The book has been translated into several languages and has received widespread critical acclaim.
Throughout her career, Champion has received numerous awards and accolades for her work. In 1980, she was awarded the Grand Prix du roman de la Société des gens de lettres for her novel Les frères Montaurian, and in 1986, she received the Prix de l'Événement du jeudi for her novel le Bunker. Her documentary book Mémoires en exil earned her the Prix des écrivains croyants in 1990.
In 1982, Champion was awarded the Prix Alice-Louis Bartoux by the Académie française, a testament to her outstanding literary contributions. She was later elevated to the rank of officier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2001, a prestigious honor recognizing her significant contributions to the arts.
Throughout her life, Champion has remained committed to her craft, producing a body of work that is both diverse and impressive. Her artistic and literary achievements have earned her a reputation as a talented and accomplished writer and painter.
