the strategic value of camouflage and its effectiveness in protecting sensitive points at the front. Guirand de Scévola submitted to the French General Staff the idea of concealing, under painted canvases, cannons which shone in the sun, as well as men, so that they merged with the surrounding terrain.

On August 14, 1915, Marshal Joffre, convinced of this new military art, gave a regular organization to the ‘camouflers’ assembled in a unit attached first to his headquarters and then, in October 1916, to the 1st Engineer Regiment, placing it under the command of Guirand de Scévola. Secondary workshops were created in Châlon-sur-Marne, Noyon and Chantilly. The creation of camouflage sections allowed artists (whose profession did not have a particular role in the war) to put their talent at theservice of France. Thus masters of the art of camouflage like André Mare, Jean-Louis Forain, Auguste Desch and André Dunoyer de Segonzac emerged. Thanks to his achievements Guirand de Scévola was promoted to the rank of Commander of the Legion of Honour by decree on July 30, 1935.

Later Life

Lucien-Victor Guirand de Scévola and his wife spent many regular stays in the Gard property, the Castle of Montsauve in Sauveterre, which she inherited from her mother, Alice Panot, and where they welcomed many artists and other personalities. In 1946, the municipality acquired the castle to house schools and the town hall. The commune received from Jeanne Marguerite Fournials, a pupil of Guirand de Scévola, a collection of paintings painted by her master which are still preserved there.

Guirand de Scévola