In 1832, after an initial training with <a href=" https://findartvalue.com/artist/guillaume-guillon-lethiere">Guillaume Lethière</a> (1760-1832), Pils entered the École des Beaux-Arts where he studied under <a href=" https://findartvalue.com/artist/francois-eduard-picot">François-Édouard Picot</a> (1786-1868), with whom he became close friends. As winner of the Prix de Rome in 1838, with Saint P