Marchand began working as a diorama artist at the New York State Museum.

Though much of the work the Marchands created there is no longer on display, some can still be seen, particularly in the museum's Hall of Wildflowers.

This younger woman, Lila Jimerson, was one of Marchand's models for the exhibits he was working on at the time.

Marchand testified that this behavior was a "professional necessity" since his diorama work required him to sculpt bare-chested women.

He also said during the trial that his wife Clothilde knew about and accepted his lifestyle, statements viewed as arrogant by numerous members of the court and the press.