Portrait of Théophile Narcisse Chauvel in the Forest of Fontainebleau

Chauvel was an established academic painter and printmaker who focused on landscapes. He formed friendships with many Barbizon artists, such as Rousseau, Diaz, and Daubigny, creating reproductive etchings after their work and tutoring them on technique. Briquet taught photography at the French military academy before moving to Mexico in 1875. Made ready for sale by an attractively lettered mount, Briquetʼs depiction of Chauvel, who is almost indistinguishable from the rugged landscape, hints at the comradery of artists who worked in the woods.