Style sapin

The basic principle taught by L'Eplattenier was that art should be inspired by nature, in this case by the conifers, in particular fir trees, that covered the Jura Mountains around the town.

He declared that "nature is the sole inspiration" and urged his students to study the regional plants, flowers and wildlife.

"[2][3] The most famous production of the school was a chalet, the Villa Fallet, designed in 1906 by the eighteen-year old Jeanerette, which included a frieze with a fir tree motif over the front door.

A collection of one hundred eight decorative works designed by the students was presented at an international exposition in Milan in 1906, which earned the school an honorable mention.

The artist Henriette Grandjean, a student in the upper course, also made numerous objects in the style sapin, which are now in the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.