Inspired by the likes of Gustave Courbet and the picturesque scenery of Italy, Balande's art was a true reflection of his life's travels and experiences. Born in Madrid, Spain in 1880, Balande's family moved to the Charente region of France when he was still an infant. As a young man, he worked as a picture restorer, and it was during this time that he taught himself to draw by copying lithographs.Critics of the time saw Balande's work as a stunning combination of the styles of Édouard Manet, Paul Cézanne, and Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. His works can still be found in the prestigious collections of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, a testament to his lasting impact on the art world.Balande passed away on April 8, 1971, in Paris, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of beauty and inspiration through his exceptional paintings.