Cécile Hertz-Eyrolles
French Art Shop had the privilege of participating in a truly special art showing and sale, held in the magnificent home and studio of Cécile Hertz-Eyrolles (1875–1974) in Cachan, just outside Paris. We are deeply committed to collecting and sharing the stories of female artists from the 1800s and early 1900s—women who often lacked the resources, support, and recognition afforded to their male counterparts. Their stories too often remain in the shadows, and we’re passionate about bringing them to light.
When we learned of Cécile Hertz-Eyrolles—a remarkable female artist celebrated last fall with several retrospectives—we knew we had to be part of this moment. Her work, unseen by the public until recently, had been carefully preserved in her family home since her passing in 1974. The retrospectives offered an extraordinary opportunity to rediscover her paintings, her story, and her beautifully preserved Art Nouveau home.
We feel incredibly honored to have acquired a selection of her paintings, each a reflection of her life, resilience, and artistic vision. We are thrilled to share her creations with you—a true testament to her unique talent and enduring legacy.
Here are the highlights of her incredible story:
A Parisian Childhood and a Passion for the Arts
Cécile Hertz-Eyrolles was born on November 7, 1875, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, into an intellectual and cultured family. From a young age, she displayed a passion for the arts, which led her to study at the prestigious Académie Carrière. Under the guidance of the Symbolist master Eugène Carrière—a close friend of Rodin—Cécile absorbed the nuances of his techniques and artistic philosophy. Carrière’s mentorship, which shaped the paths of many great artists, including Matisse, played a pivotal role in Cécile’s formative years, influencing her style and artistic direction.
Inspiring Journeys
Cécile’s deep appreciation for art and culture inspired her to travel extensively to artistic centers across Europe. From Venice, Florence, and Siena to Naples, Palermo, Brussels, Brittany, and London, her journeys offered her exposure to private collections and world-renowned museums. Immersing herself in the works of the great masters, she began to develop a style uniquely her own—steeped in tradition but rich with personal interpretation.
Although widely traveled, Cécile was most captivated by the quiet beauty of interiors and the intimate moments of family life. Her favorite subjects were often found in dining rooms, living rooms, or gardens, where personal objects and the interplay of light created serene and evocative compositions. These quiet domestic scenes became her signature, though her repertoire also included landscapes, portraits, marine scenes, and monuments.
Prolific in her output and deeply sensitive to light and emotion, Cécile’s work reflects a lifetime dedicated to capturing the beauty in both grand and ordinary moments.
“Painting was my first passion. Its language, the emotions I feel it all tempts and delights me.”
Family Life
In her early 30s, Cécile met Léon Eyrolles, a French politician and entrepreneur. Together, they built a family, welcoming three children: Marc, Solange, and Béatrice. Around this time, Léon commissioned architect Eugène Robinot to design their home, an extraordinary Art Nouveau residence built between 1905 and 1910. Located south of Paris in Cachan, the house also served as the official residence for the director of the École spéciale des travaux publics (ESTP), the renowned institution Léon founded.
The home became a centerpiece of their life together, with Léon serving as mayor of Cachan from 1929 to 1944. Cécile set up her studio in this magnificent space, which would later be recognized for its architectural significance when several elements were listed as historic monuments in 1997.
In 1939, she reached a career milestone with a personal exhibition at the renowned Galerie Charpentier in Paris. However, the outbreak of World War II brought profound tragedy. As a result of her Jewish heritage, Cécile was deported to the Drancy camp. Her husband Léon’s courageous intervention secured her release, but the harrowing experience left an indelible mark on her life and art, deepening the emotional sensitivity present in her later works.
An Enduring Artistic Legacy
After Léon’s death in 1946, Cécile gradually stepped away from painting, though her body of work continued to inspire. By the 1970s, she was one of the oldest residents of Cachan, living just shy of her 100th birthday. In 2024, the city honored her contributions to the arts with a summer retrospective, and several of her works were acquired by public collections, including the Eugène Carrière Museum, near where her artistic journey began.What's Next
Cécile Hertz-Eyrolles’ life and work stand at the crossroads of history, resilience, and remarkable talent. Her story reminds us of the importance of celebrating the contributions of female artists whose voices have too often been overshadowed in history. At French Art Shop, we are dedicated to preserving and sharing these stories, and we are honored to bring Cécile’s work to collectors and art lovers.The collection launching on January 19 is part 1 of a two-part release, showcasing her timeless pieces. We hope her art will inspire and bring joy to those who welcome it into their homes.
An artist to (re)discover—at the crossroads of history, resilience, and great talent.
