Initially travelling to Algeria for his health he quickly became captivated by oriental life, falling in love with the country. He spent six or seven winter months every year in Biskra, taking trips further south to Touggourt and other places. Almost all of his work was produced out of doors, his only studio being an Arab house in Biskra and a tent when he went south. He confined himself to the province of Biskra and became very familiar with the customs and language of the local people.

He exhibited in the Paris Salon in 1896 and received a honourable mention in the Paris Exposition of 1899. He also had numerous exhibitions in the United States. He died in 1934. In the last two decades his paintings have appeared on the market at widely spaced intervals. This collection has been put together by us over a period of time. We consider Theriat to be a superb colourist, and his style distinctive and highly original.