He began his formal artistic training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Nantes, where he received a classical education.
He then moved to Paris and studied under Paul Delaroche, one of the most prominent painters of the time, famous for his ability to blend realism with historical narrative.
This period was pivotal in the development of his meticulous technique, his interest in human expressions, and his talent for creating refined and lively scenes.

Leray made his debut at the prestigious Paris Salon in 1848, an official exhibition reserved for the most promising French artists.
He quickly gained recognition for his attention to detail, his elegant compositions, and his poetic sensibility.
Throughout his career, he exhibited regularly at the Salon, presenting genre scenes, portraits, and works inspired by history or literature. His paintings are distinguished by:

A mastery of historical costumes and elegance, particularly from the 18th century, bringing past eras to life with realism.
A subtle and sophisticated technique, where color, light, and composition harmoniously convey vitality and charm.

This oil painting on wood, titled “An Incredible and Wonderful Celebration,” depicts a lively, festive scene in a rustic landscape, beneath tall trees.

In this painting, Leray depicts an elegant crowd of men, women, and children dressed in early 19th-century attire. The detailed costumes, gestures, and postures reflect a keen sense of social observation and the elegance of the era.

The Incroyables (men) and the Merveilleuses (women) appeared in Paris at the end of the 18th century, during the Directory (1795–1799), following the French Revolution.

These young aristocrats and bourgeois stood out for their extravagant outfits, daring hairstyles, and luxurious accessories, reflecting both their taste for excess and their desire to return to a sophisticated and elegant social life after the hardships of the Revolution.

They frequented balls, parties, and cafés, becoming symbols of elegance, whimsy, and Parisian fashion. Their style, often exaggerated, ranged from sophistication to boldness: skin-tight pants, light or sheer dresses, striking jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles.

Under Napoleon Bonaparte, this movement continued but underwent a slight evolution: fashion remained refined and elegant, adopting a more understated and restrained style, while retaining the spirit of luxury and distinction inherited from the Incroyables and the Merveilleuses.

Festivities continue to serve as a marker of social status and refined taste, and these figures remain an important landmark in the history of French fashion and costume.

The painting thus brings to life the festive atmosphere of the Directory and the early Napoleonic Empire, illustrating how the luxury, fashion, and joy of these historical figures inspired 19th-century genre painting.