In the 19th century, Antoine Durenne (1822-1895) took part in the development of the foundry in the Haute-Marne and popularised the art foundry. Sommevoire had nearby mining seams, abundant water, forests for the production of charcoal and sandpits. Durenne first rented the Moulin Neuf foundry before buying it back in 1857 and enlarging it. Art casting became his great speciality. In 1870, Pope Pius IX rewarded him for his “Baiser du Christ à Saint François” (Kiss of Christ to Saint Francis) exhibited in Rome. Today, the Durenne foundry has become the GHM company, which continues the tradition of art casting in Sommevoire.