Comte Arthur Du Passage was born at the Chateau de Bernaville in Fisheu le Grand on 24 June, 1838. He was a nobleman by birth and was destined for a career in the military, yet, he and his younger brother Vicomte du Passage were fascinated by animals and birds at an early age. Each would pursue his artistic interests during free time.

Comte du Passage studied sculpting with Antoine-Louis Barye and Pierre Jules Mêne but also became known for his drawings and paintings. While serving in the army, he suffered an accident and was paralyzed from the waist down, confining him to a wheel chair. As a result, he left the army and retired to the family home, the Chateau de Bernaville. There, with the help of his assistant he was able to spend ...