Francis Renaud (1887–1973), was a Breton sculptor mainly noted for his monumental granite public memorials in Brittany.
Born in Saint-Brieuc, Côtes d'Armor, Brittany, Renaud was associated with the revival of Breton nationalist ideals in art in the early 20th century.
[1] He later moved towards more simplified and stylised forms influenced by Breton traditions, joining the nationalist art movement Seiz Breur.
[4] In addition to the famous Pleureuse de Tréguier, he also created memorials in Ploufragan, Trévé and Saint-Brieuc, where Renaud also made another emblematic sculpture representing a Breton woman in traditional dress as an icon of local identity.
Renaud was also notable for memorial sculptures to Breton intellectuals such as the poet Anatole Le Braz, the composer Guy Ropartz and the novelist Pierre Loti.