Oil painting on canvas, signed lower right. Michel Girard was born in Montucon, France in 1939 and studied art at the Academie Charpentier and the Academie Julian. By the age of 20 he had already exhibited in Paris and Lyon. In 1960 his work began to be recognized internationally. He spent time in Rome painting for Italian magazines. Since 1980 Girard's work has continued to be shown around the world and honors have been numerous. Among the most prestigious recognition has included the Grand Prize at the International Contemporary Art Festival in Monte Carlo, First Prize at the Salon des Artistes Francias, and first prize at the famed Salon d'Automne.