Henry Jules Jean Geoffroy was born in Marennes, France. By the age of 18, Geo (as he is also known as) began studying under Eugene Levasseur. He later went on to study at Ecole des Beaux Arts located in Paris. It was here that Geoffroy had the opportunity to study with Leon Joseph Bonnat, Eugene Adan as well as Bin. Geoffroy always experimented with different mediums; however he is most recognized for his works that focused on children. His works were shown all over Paris. His natural talent for capturing images of youth made him quite popular by the upper class that wanted to have paintings of their children done. Ultimately, an editor convinced him to create and write children’s books. Throughout his lifetime, Geoffroy gained many notable achievements. By the age of 21 he made his debut at the Salon de Paris. He accumulated several awards as an artist including a silver medal in 1886. One of his most notable accolades came in the previous year when he was honored with a gold medal for his patriotism during the Franco-Prussian war, which also resulted in Geoffroy being inducted into the Legion of Honor.