Georges Michel

Georges Michel (1763, 1843) was a French landscape painter often called the 'French Rembrandt' for his dramatic, atmospheric depictions of the outskirts of Paris, particularly the plains of Montmartre. He worked largely in obscurity during his lifetime, painting humble windmills, storm clouds, and vast skies with bold, expressive brushwork that prefigured the Barbizon School and even aspects of Impressionism. His work gained greater recognition posthumously, and his paintings have appeared regularly at major auction houses including Christie's and Sotheby's.