Born near Grenoble in 1866, Marie-Joséphine Vallet, who would become known by the pseudonym Jacqueline Marval, forged a unique path in the artistic universe. Coming from a family of educators, she initially pursued teaching before her life was disrupted by the death of her son. This ordeal prompted her to leave her husband and make a living from her art as a seamstress. Her creativity opened the doors to Paris, where she settled in the heart of Montparnasse, a hub for renowned artists like Matisse and Picasso, who became her friends.

Her paintings drew significant attention at her first exhibition at the Salon des Indépendants, where Ambroise Vollard bought ten of her paintings. Marval then shone on the artistic scene, her work "Odalisque with Cheetah" leaving a lasting impression as a pioneering self-portrait. Her participation in international exhibitions, notably at the Armory Show in New York, solidified her reputation. Some of her most poignant works were provoked by her time in Biarritz, drawing inspiration from its beaches to depict scenes that vividly reflect the societal shifts of her era.

Despite a later life marked by illness, Marval's impact on modern art remains undeniable. Her career exemplifies a pioneering woman whose work and life continue to inspire.