Originally a philosopher, Serusier met Gaugin in 1888 and was deeply influenced by his methods.
Along with fellow artists Denis, Bonnard and Vuillard, he was a founder member of the
Nabis in Paris. The group was established to promote the philosophy of
Symbolism, a movement that suggested the subject of a work of art or literature could be expressed and interpreted 'symbolically' rather than literally. These ideas are reflected in his use of colour and shape in the
Girl from Savoy.
In 1921, his book, 'The ABC of Painting', was published to critical acclaim.