Still Life with a Bouquet of Flowers by Lucien Victor de Scévola (1871-1950)

Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scévola (1871–1950)

Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scévola was a talented and eclectic French painter, who distinguished himself as a portraitist, decorator, illustrator and important figure in the official art of the Third Republic.

After studying at the Beaux-Arts in Paris, he became a pupil of Fernand Cormon and Pierre Dupuis. He quickly made a name for himself with his worldly portraits and allegorical scenes, which he regularly exhibited at the Salon.

His style is characterized by Symbolist inspiration and a mastery of pastel, a technique in which he excelled and which won him widespread success. He is considered one of the innovators of pastel art at the turn of the century.

During the First World War, Guirand de Scévola played an unexpected and decisive role: he was the creator and leader of France's first military camouflage unit. Under his leadership, the "camoufleurs" developed innovative techniques for concealing equipment and positions at the front. His work contributed to the official recognition of camouflage as a military specialty.

After the war, he resumed his artistic activities. He painted numerous portraits, decorative scenes, illustrations and mythologically inspired compositions. He was awarded the Légion d'honneur.