Joseph Heim, born in Belfort, began his artistic journey at the École Centrale of Strasbourg before studying in Paris under Vincent. He quickly gained recognition, winning prizes and gold medals at the Salon. His masterpiece, "The Massacre of the Jews," earned him the Legion of Honour in 1824. He rose to prominence with "Charles X Rewarding Artists" in 1827 and was appointed to decorate the Gallery Charles X at the Louvre. Despite criticism, he was elected to the Institute in 1829. He continued to receive commissions, notably during the Second Empire, and was appointed President of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1853. Heim's diverse body of work, including decorative projects for landmarks and evocative pieces like "The Prisoner," solidified his place in French art history.