Daniel Cordier lived several successive lives: that of a difficult and solitary childhood; that of young Maurassist supporter and monarchist activist; that of the Resistance fighter alongside Jean Moulin who introduced him to art; that of the republican leftist; that of the compulsive collector, international art dealer and generous donor; and finally that of the historian who does not compromise over the truth. Daniel Cordier, a man whose many lives spanned the twentith century and whose ever-wondering gaze, always on the lookout for new discoveries, is an example for future generations because, in his eyes, the only commitment that honours a man is that of freedom.