Louis Maurice Boutet De Monvel was a painter and illustrator whose work was known for its clean lines and pale coloring. Although he worked on a variety of subject matter and projects, he is best known for his wonderful children's illustrations which captured the world of French boys and girls. One source said that the "modern picture book owes much to this French genius," and he is considered to be one of the most important and influential figures in what is known as "the golden age of children's literature." Among his best known works are Chansons de France Pour Les Petits (Songs of France for the Children) and Chansons et Rondes pour les Petits Enfants (Songs & Rondes for the Little Children), both published in 1883. His illustrations for Anatole France's Filles et Garcons (Girls & Boys: Scenes of the City & Fields), was published by Hachette in 1887.
