Just Veillat
Just Veillat was born on March 9, 1813, in Châteauroux. He quickly abandoned a career as a lawyer and, as early as 1835, exhibited his Berry landscapes at the Salon. He dabbled in literature, founded a newspaper, and entered politics. Elected to the General Council of Indre in 1852, he became its vice-president and was involved in many local institutions: the municipal council, public education, and the hospice.
The politician remained an artist at heart, writing historical novels and amassing sculptures, paintings, and objets d'art. When Châteauroux established a museum in 1863, Just Veillat became its first curator. He died three years later at the age of 53.