A plaster work by French sculptor James Pradier (1790-1852) is on show at Shanghai Museum through Feb 9.[Photo provided to China Daily]

In the early 20th century, the first group of Chinese students joined the school and they later became some of China's most important artists. These individuals include Xu Beihong, Lin Fengmian, Pan Yuliang, Zao Wou-ki and Wu Guanzhong.

"We believe that the Chinese artists have appreciated these artworks, and spent their life on campus surrounded by them," Stibbe says.