Paul-André Robert

Biel 10 November 1901 – Orvin 20 August 1977

1901 born in Ried by Biel on 10 November.  Great nephew of Léopold, grandson of Aurèle Robert, son of Léo-Paul and brother of Théophile and Philippe Robert.

From 1908, the family spends the summer at Jorat  by Orvin (Canton Berne), the winter at St-Blaise (Canton Neuchâtel).

1914-23   schools in Neuchâtel, artistic training by his father Léo-Paul Robert, whose closest co-worker he becomes, namely on the watercolours of birds and of caterpillars.  During this time he also does taxidermy (preparing birds for the Musée d’histoire naturelle de Neuchâtel).

1923 death of Léo-Paul Robert.  Paul-André takes care of, and carries on, the work of his father.

1924-25 paints 76 watercolours for the fungi book by J. Jaccotet: Les champignons dans la nature.

1925-26 studies at the Académie Ranson in Paris.

1928-29 art tuition from his brother Théophile in Paris (composition, still life).  Influenced by painter Gustave Buchet.  Studies Egyptian art in the Louvre.

1930 marries Madeleine Favre. From now lives at Jorat by Orvin, with winter stays abroad.

1934 begins his series of numerous scientific publications with Delachaux & Niestlé and Iris Verlag (Berne/Plon Paris), with the 64 watercolours for Les papillons dans la nature.

1935 in Monaco, at the Musée océanographique painting for the publication Kunstgebilde des Meeres und Muscheln und Schneckgehäuse  (shells).

1936-37 numerous drawings and 64 watercolours for his book Les Insectes (two volumes).

1938 produces 18 watercolours for Alpenblumen and 32 watercolours and 72 drawings for Fleurs des eaux et des marais.

From 1940 devotes himself also to oil paintings (landscapes, still life, portraits, religious themes) to earn the upkeep of his family.

1940-51 numerous drawings and watercolours of birds for La vie des oiseaux: les rapaces, les échassiers and les passereaux (totalling five volumes).

1949-52 illustrates Papillons d’Europe (two volumes).

1956-58 illustrates Flore et végétation des Alpes (two volumes), as well as painting 48 watercolours for his book on dragonflies Les Libellules.

1960 paints 32 watercolours of parrots for Perruches australiennes et autres psittacidés.

1962 paints 32 watercolours for Splendeurs de la faune marine.

1966 paints 32 watercolours for Fleurs tropicales.

1973 University of Neuchâtel awards him honorary doctorate for his scientific researches on dragonflies and their larvae.

1977 dies at Jorat on 20 August.