French painter, engraver and designer, born at Millemont (Seine-et-Oise) of a seafaring family. Apprenticed in his youth to a commercial engraver, then studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts under Ponscarme, an engraver and medallist, and worked as assistant to the medallist Alexandre Charpentier.

Became increasingly interested in painting and first attracted attention with pastels of café-concerts and circuses. Friendship with Segonzac, Boussingault and Despiau. In 1910 won the Prix de l'Afrique du Nord and spent two years in Algeria, which stirred his interest in exoticism and lyricism. Turned from pastel to oils in 1911.

Painted first in strong colours, then in sombre browns and ochres and with more simplified forms influenc...