Jean Lareuse was born in French Guiana, Africa and after returning to France began painting at the young age of 13. His entire life since his teens have been almost exclusively dedicated to painting and has since become a recognized and collected artist. Jean began painting scenes that naturally sparked an interest with him which primarily were the racing of horses. Not only does Jean paint but he also put together a children's book titled "Devils in the Castle" which recall his sisters childhood growing up in a Catholic boarding school. The illustrations throughout the book depict scenes of young girls having fun and making mischief which are eerily similar to Ludwig Bemelmann's Madeleine series which he came under scrutiny for. His paintings rest in many private collections and galleries in London, Caracas, New York, Montreal, Washington D.C. and more.

This original oil painting on canvas is part of the later series he painted depicting childhood scenes from his sisters life. Titled "Autumn Snowball Fight" this painting cleverly depicts a handful of young school girls in jumpers similar to those of Ludwig's Madeleine series, having a snowball fight and causing quite a ruckus and frustration for their overseer's. This is a entertaining and whimsical scene that not only plays a fun contrast between these young girls having fun and their strict caretakers but a wonderful impressionist depiction of the early autumn in France. The condition is quite wonderful with craquelure mostly visible in the sky where lesser paint was applied to the canvas.

This painting is an admirable example of Lareuse's later works which are much preferred over the more mundane and overpainted subject of horse racing. This was last purchased from the Lost Art Gallery in Gainesville Florida in the early 2000's for approximately $3,500 USD.

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