Jean Geoffroy

Born on March 1, 1853, in Marennes, Henry Jules Jean Geoffroy, better known as Géo, was a French painter and illustrator.

The son of a tailor from Charente and a mother of Scottish descent, his youth was marked by values of hard work and education, elements that would shape his artistic journey.

At the age of 18, Géo moved to Paris, where he began his apprenticeship with Eugène Levasseur, a lithographer. He entered the École des Beaux-Arts in 1871, studying in the workshop of Léon Bonnat. It was during this time that he met Pierre-Jules Hetzel, who recommended him for book illustrations aimed at children, allowing Géo to make a name for himself alongside great figures of illustration such as Gustave Doré.

Géo dedicated his work to children and education. He began exhibiting at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1874, where his works were quickly praised by critics and the public. His painting, characterized by striking realism, sought to capture the innocence and diversity of childhood experiences while reflecting the changes in the educational system of the Third Republic.

In 1893, he was commissioned by the Ministry of Public Instruction to create five canvases illustrating school life of his time, reflecting the republican ideology encouraging moral and civic education. Among his notable works are “A Drawing Lesson in Primary School,” which highlights the importance of artistic education, and “A Franco-Arab Class in Tlemcen,” showcasing the colonial state’s commitment to public instruction. His painting “School Exit at the Nursery School” earned him a gold medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle, symbolizing his recognition.

Géo passed away on December 15, 1924, in Paris, leaving behind an artistic legacy that underscores the importance of education and the protection of children. His contribution to the art and culture of his time remains a source of inspiration, reminding us that the beauty and complexity of childhood deserve to be celebrated and preserved. Buried in the Parisian cemetery of Pantin, he is often referred to as the “painter of the humble and the children,” a title that perfectly encapsulates his commitment and his work.