Henri Biva (French, 1848-1928)

Oil on canvas, signed.

Provenance: Marshall Coyne, The Madison Hotel, Washington, DC

Well recognised during his lifetime, Biva was a noted still life, flower and landscape painter who worked in oils, watercolors and pastels. Studying in Paris, he developed his talent under the instruction of Léon Tanzi and Alexandre Nozal. Although he was 38 before his work was exhibited publicly, he won considerable acclaim and steady honors from that point forward.

His work was first exhibited at a show entitled “Black and White” in 1886. At subsequent exhibitions, he was awarded an Honourable Mention for his landscapes in 1892, a Third Class medal in 1895, and a Second Class Medal in 1896.

1900 was a year of significant accomplishments for Biva. He won a Bronze Medal and began a tradition of notable exhibitions at the Salon des Artistes Français that continued through 1905. However, it was his election to Chevalier in the Legion of Honor that stands as his crowning achievement.

Biva is listed in Dictionnaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs, et Graveurs by Bénézit and The Flower Painters: An Illustrated Dictionary by Hardouin-Fugier and Grafe.

Painting size: 40” x 32”
Frame size: 48” x 40.5”