Pierre Eugène Montezin rates among the best and most sought after Post-Impressionist masters. Born in Paris as the son of a lace draftsman, he was exposed to art and design at a young age and entered a decorative atelier where he learned the art of executing decorative murals. Shortly after becoming aware of the theories and techniques of the Impressionists, he took up a career as an independent painter-artist. In 1893, at the age of 19, he attempted to enter the Salon, but was refused; it would take him ten more years before being accepted. From 1903 on he received constant recognition for his work, including receiving medals in 1907 and 1910 and being knighted in the Legion of Honour in 1923. Montezin spent a year in the French countryside, where he painted rural landscapes inhabited with animals, which would inspire him for the rest of his life. He remained loyal to the Impressionistic principles throughout his career, never being distracted by the emerging movements of Cubism, Surrealism or Abstract Art. His vibrant and brilliant palette combined with his energetic brush work brought him tremendous popularity. He painted in this manner for the rest of his life. Like Cézanne, Montezin died in the midst of painting in the open air.