Pierre Deval was highly regarded during his lifetime and worked within the circle of Henri Matisse, Albert Marquet and writer, André Breton. He was a particularly strong colourist and known for his sensitive portrayals of women. During the 1920s and 1930s, he lived on the Côte d'Azur and his house became a meeting place for Provence-based creatives. And in around 1926, he moved to the French capital and worked from the studio at 19 quai St. Michel, which Matisse had just vacated.

His work was shown at several prominent exhibitions including at the salon in Lyon, various Parisian galleries and the Venice Biennale.