César Baldaccini, commonly known as César, was a French sculptor born on January 1, 1921, in Marseille, France. He is best known for his innovative use of materials, particularly his technique of compressing and welding scrap metal to create striking sculptures. His work often reflects themes of transformation and the relationship between art and industry. César gained international recognition in the 1960s, especially for his iconic compressions, which are large sculptures made from crushed cars and other objects. He was also associated with the Nouveau Réalisme movement, which sought to challenge traditional art forms by incorporating everyday materials. César passed away on December 6, 1998, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary sculpture.