SIMON MATHURIN LANTARA (1729-1778) Sketch of the forest

inscribed (on the reverse) pencil on paper 15.6 x 19.1 cm Simon Mathurin Lantara (1729–1778) was a self-taught French landscape painter, born in Oncy to a humble family. Initially a herdboy, he was introduced to painting by Gille de Reumont and trained briefly in Versailles, where his natural talent was quickly recognised.