Born in Metz, Michel became a student of Auguste Migette and Laurent-Charles Maréchal, the stained glass painter, and began to exhibit in 1853. Among Michel's masterpieces are Une Gardense d'Oies (1853) and Unit d'ete (1872). He wrote for the Gazette des Beaux-Arts and other periodicals. His most famous book is on the life and works of Rembrandt. His other books include Les Brueghel and Paul Potter. He was elected a member of the Institut de France in 1892.[1] He died in Paris.