Gaston La Touche (1854-1913) was a leading colourist of the late nineteenth/early twentieth centuries, who associated with all the important artists of the period. He was close friends with many of the Impressionists, but chose to follow an independent path in both technique and subject matter. His extraordinary imagination revealed itself in his wonderful depictions of monkeys, fetes, balls, theatrical subjects and interiors, all tinged with a wry sense of humour. His Versailles-inspired firework and fountain paintings are unique in quality and spectrum of colour. Neglected for almost a century, with little or no research, La Touche's work is now being re-evaluated. In both commercial and art-historical circles, his paintings are now highly sought after. Many of the paintings reproduced in this book come from private collections and have not been illustrated or exhibited since the artist's death.

Selina Baring Maclennan has been researching Gaston La Touche for seventeen years and is a recognised expert on the artist. She has worked in the art world for over twenty years with comprehensive experience in leading commercial galleries and auction houses.