Pierre de Belay was born in Quimperlé, France. The origins and extent of his artistic training are generally little known. At the age of 29, it is known that he was released from military service when he promptly moved to Paris. Either way, Belay’s military had at least a small amount of impact on his artistic work as one can see in this naval painting “Le Haven de Concarneau.”

Most of Belay’s art work is dated in the 1920’s and on, so it is quite possible that little artwork of his exists from before his move to Paris. In 1925, Belay finally had a studio and was living in Montparnasse. This bustling corner of Paris had given great inspiration to many painters before him, and was certainly gave Belay much inspiration for his Parisian street scenes.

Besides being a painter and engraver, Belay was also an illustrator for the magazine “Harlequin” from 1923-1926. Although he was working steadily and slowly becoming known in art circles, Belay would not find real success until 1930, when an exhibit at the Rotonde and a private exhibit at the Gulot Gallery brought him real fame.

Belay would continue creating art for the rest of his life, and died in Paris in 1947.