Jules René Hervé was born in Langres in the region of Champagne-Ardenne, north-eastern France 14th April 1887. Hervé studied at l’Ecole des Fréres and l’Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs de Paris, before completing his education at l’Ecole Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris.
Hervé was a renowned painter of Parisian life, in particular depictions of parks and ornamental gardens which often included children and fountains. His paintings are full of poetry, sensitivity and charm. His use of colour and style are very much reminiscent of the great French Impressionists. He also painted scenes of his native city and the suburb of Brévoines.
Hervé taught many aspiring artists from 1911 to 1943 and received a silver medal in 1914 from the association of French artists. He was rewarded with a gold medal of the French Artists Association in 1925 and a gold medal at the Universal Exhibition of 1937. He was elected Vice President of the French artists of the exhibition.
Hervé achieved a certain amount of notoriety during his own lifetime. He exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Francais throughout his career. Today his work can be found in private collections all over the world. His paintings can also be viewed at museums in his hometown of Langres, Dijon, St Etienne, Casablanca and Chicago.
