Bouguereau was to be a significant influence throughout Cavé's career, both stylistically and in terms of subject matter and treatment.
[1] Cavé had early success in 1886 when he was awarded a 3rd class medal for Martyre aux catacombes.
From 1887 he was a member of the Société des Artistes Français and the Comité de l'Association Taylor.
He painted portraits, religious, and allegorical motifs in the style of salons, young girls, genres, and still lifes.
Cavé's portraits of young girls and allegorical motifs were very well painted in Bouguereau's manner and found success in France and the United States.