After leaving Paris, he returned to Algeria, where he exhibited in the local salons, but also participated in showings at the Salon des Artistes Français [fr]. In 1906, he married the artist, Marie Gautier (c.1870–?), who introduced him to the art of color engraving. This soon became his primary enthusiasm, producing numerous etchings that were published in France. After this, he exhibited exclusively with the Société nationale des beaux-arts.
In 1909, he was awarded a grant to travel throughout French West Africa; visiting Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Senegal and Timbuktu, in the French Sudan. It was a very busy, fruitful period that produced numerous etchings and canvases. Following this trip, he returned to Paris to study fresco painting.
In 1912, he was appointed Professor of Decorative Arts at his alma mater, the École des beaux-arts, and held that position until his death. Two years later, he enlisted as a soldier and was wounded in battle, for which he was decorated with the Legion of Honor. After the death of Léon Cauvy, in 1933, he became the École's Director.
