He was a French genre and still life painter and illustrator, born in Paris and lived in Neuilly-sur-Seine. He is known for his portraits of women, often in exotic costumes or undress. Martin-Kavel notably often painted his figures in centered compositions surrounded by dark fabric backgrounds, theatrically lit as though by spotlight. He debuted and regularly exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français. he was awarded a medal for his work in 1881.