Who is Chambouvard from The Masterpiece and what is their importance?

Chambouvard mis a well-known sculptor. His character is symbolic of the snobbery of the art community in Paris. The Beaux-Arts, as well as the general public, holds his work in high esteem. He believes thateach of his creations is a masterpiece, and he and looks down on other artists, especially the young ones like Claude and Mahoudeau.