His first art lessons were in the workshop of his father, the French-born lithographer, José Adolfo Hequet (1826-1888).

Two years later, he enrolled at the municipal art school in the 14th arrondissement, operated by Auguste Truphème [fr].

[1] It was there that he first became interested in military art and was influenced by the works of Meissonier, Neuville and Detaille.

[2] Upon returning to Montevideo, he set about producing a large number of historical works.

Outstanding among these was a series called "Episodios Nacionales", that depicted all of the principal events in the history of Uruguay, including the "Cry of Asencio" and the "Battle of Las Piedras".