Léon Monet by Claude Monet 1874 Private Collection Surprisingly, Claude Monet did only 1 portrait of his elder brother Léon. This is it! Léon didn't put it on show and it has only now been revealed to the general public at the Luxembourg (Senate) exhibition. Perhaps Léon found it too candid? Léon directed a factory on the outskirts of Rouen. He produced chemical dyes which were used to print fabric. Jean Monet, Claude's eldest son, worked there; he found uncle Léon rather authoritative. Quarrels apparently occurred between the two brothers over Jean and also later when Léon married his 30-year younger housekeeper. Claude did not approve! The two brothers became distanced. A poignant letter from Claude Monet to his brother's widow, explains Claude's reasons for not attending Léon's funeral, while expressing his deep sorrow and his regret at not having made things up with his brother. Alfred Sisley Route de Louveciennes. Effet de Neige (Louveciennes road. Snow eff...