"Jeux de Fillettes a Laghouat" is an original color lithograph signed by Etienne Alphonse Dinet, and published in L'Estampe Moderne. It features seven seated women in "oriental" dress. The artist signed the piece lower right. Artwork Size: 12" x 15 3/4" Frame Size: 19 1/4" x 23" Artist Bio: Specialized in genre, portraits, landscapes, watercolor, engraving, draftsman and Oriental art. Etienne Dinet spent almost 50 years living in southern Algeria and he holds a very special position in the history of Orientalist painting. His empathy and understanding of the Algerians lend his works an authenticity rarely surpassed, each being infused with his unique talent and intensity of emotion. During the first half of the 19th century, French touring painters (voyageurs) were normally attached to military, scientific or diplomatic missions, but by 1870 the Orientalists tended to prefer to travel alone, although nevertheless depending heavily upon official sponsorship and commissions. Dinet on the other hand quickly gained public acclaim for his talent alone, rapidly developing his own unique plein air style.