Contact gallery for price		Léon Richet French, 1847-1907 An Orientalist Scene Oil on panel 24 x 8 inches (61 x 20 cm) Signed and dated: Léon Richet 72 Provenance: Private Collection, USA Léon Richet was born in Solesmes (Sathe), Normandy in 1847.  He was a student of Narcisse Virgle Diaz de La Pena (1807/9-1876), Charles Victor Eugéne Lefébvre (1805-1882) and Louis Jean Boulanger (1806/7-1867).  He began exhibiting in the Paris Salons in 1869 and at the Salon of 1885, he was awarded a honorable mention.  He was awarded a second place medal in the Salons of 1888 and 1901. He is best known for his verdant landscapes, especially of the Fountainbleau forest.  He traveled extensively and painted in the countryside of Auvergne, Picardie, and seascapes in Tréport.  He even traveled to Guéret and Belgium.  His works reflect his preoccupation with nature and the effects of light and his profound influence was strongly felt by the members of the Barbizon school.  Richet died in Fountainbleau (Seine-et-Marne) on May 26, 1907. Our painting features a young, beautiful woman with flowing dark hair. Her striking attire consists of a layered white dress and blue robe with a richly detailed brocade of red and gold. Her golden earrings, turban and feathered fan complete her sumptuous outfit. Seen within a dense wooded area, her peaceful countenance and relaxed stance reflect the naturalness of the setting. The bright colors of her outfit contrast the dark green landscape and glitter from the forest with a jewel-like brightness. Museums: Leeds Museum, Forét de Fountainbleau Montréal Museum, Vieux Chênes and Forét de Fountainbleau Musee de Nice, Paysage Musee de Reims, Paysage avec marais Museum of Fine Arts, Boston