Gabriel HERVE (b. 1868) French school Portrait of André MELCHISSEDEC in uniform Oil on canvas signed G.HERVE, dated February 1915 and dedicated "A un brave (...) militaire". 55 x 46 cm. Frame with helmet visor plate "SOLDAT DE LA GRANDE GUERRE". Reverse of frame with cartouche "André MELCHISSEDEC (1870-19..) volunteered in 1914 in Buenos Aires, sergeant in the 249th infantry regiment on leaving hospital in 1915". He is listed as having received acting prizes at the Paris Conservatoire. He is also cited as having saved the life of a woman about to be run over in 1895. He was then a "dramatic artist". Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in 1937.