Henri Arthur Bonnefoy received a classical education at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, under the direction of A. Coigniet. He then specialized in painting animals and still lifes in a loose, impressionist style. His flower still lifes were popular for their panache and warm palette. Between 1857 and 1904 he exhibited at the Paris Salons. Water-coloured landscapes are also known by the painter.