Henri Biva

Born in Paris on January 21, 1848 Henri Biva was a student of Alexandre Nozal at the French Academy. At that time William Adolphe Bouguereau, Benjamin Constant and Jules Lefebvre were also his instructors. It was the influence of these artists that contributed to the controlled style of Biva's work.

Biva first exhibited at l'Exposition de Blanc et Nair in 1886 with paintings Une rue de Ville d'Avray'11, La Nuit, and Roses de Nice et giroffies. He also exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français where he won honorable mention in 1892, third class in 1895, and second class and honorable mention in 1896.

In 1900, Biva also won a bronze medal and was elected to Chevalier in the Legion of Honor. He was nominated to the Salon des Artistes Français in 1903, 1904 and 1905.