ludovic piette
An Impressionist painter (1826 -1878) who lived and painted at Montfoucault, a small settlement not far from Melleray-la-Vallée.
Living amonst the Mayennais, he nevertheless didn't appear to have a very high opinion of them: "Ces idiots de gens riches qui habitent dans ce pays. Pas un tableau, pas une statue ni un buste à dix lieues à la ronde. Aussi béotiens que le paysan, aussi ignares. Chevaux, voitures, chiffons pour les dames, chasse quand vient la saison, voilà les graves préoccupations de cette classe éclairée"
He struck up a friendship with Camille Pissaro, another Impressionist of the late 19th century, and the latter often came to stay with him at Montfoucault.
Here above is a portrait of Piette painted by Pissaro.
Among his works are "Le marché de Lassay", "Le cirque Boureau à Lassay", "La moisson à Montfoucault", "La Mayenne à Laval".