Adrien Chancel was born in Paris in 1853.
As a young man, he trained as an architect with Joyau and Moyaux. As a trainee, one of his everyday duties was the creation of detailed watercolour drawings of potential projects and Chancel thus quickly became skilled in the use of watercolour. In particular, he was encouraged by Moyaux, who was, himself, a talented artist.
Chancel won his first national art prize at the age of nineteen and won many more throughout an accomplished and successful career. He carried out many prestigious architectural design projects, which included the restorations of Auch Cathedral and the fa�ade of the Elysee Palace.
Chancel died at the height of his fame in 1901, aged only 48.
