At seventeen, he attended the School of Decorative Arts in Paris and the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts.
[1] He however rejected the academic teaching of the college and became attracted by the art of the Montmartre-based Auguste Rodin and Antoine Bourdelle.
Malfray survived the First World War after being gassed and taking part in the Battle of Verdun, but was deeply affected by his experiences.
[citation needed] However, in 1931, his friend Aristide Maillol appointed him his successor as professor at the Académie Ranson in Paris.
During the following years, Malfray had many students in his workshop, including Étienne Martin, François Stahly, Nessa Cohen, and Jean Le Moal.