French sculptor and medalist Abel Lafleur became best-known for his design of the FIFA World Cup trophy, first simply called “Coupe du Monde,” and later renamed the “Jules Rimet Trophy.” In 1970, the cup was ultimately awarded to Brazil, because they had become the first team to win the World Cup three times. Lafleur attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and was heavily influenced by French medalist Jules-Clément Chaplain (1839-1909). He worked for many foreign countries as well as sports leagues and was affiliated to the French Federation of Sports. Lafleur later specialized in the naked female form, using it as a subject for medalist sculptures. In 1920, he was appointed a Knight of the Legion d’Honneur. The Football plaque could be a preliminary study for the FIFA World Cup. It also served as a template for the World Cup medal. Two copies in bronze and plaster have the format 15 x 20 cm.
France