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Paul César Helleu - La Lettre

La Lettre (1880)

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)
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Why is this image in the public domain?
The Artist died in 1927 so this work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries where the copyright term is the Artist's life plus 70 years or fewer.
Paul César Helleu
About the Artist

Paul César Helleu was a French oil painter, pastel artist, drypoint etcher, and designer, best known for his numerous portraits of beautiful society women of the Belle Époque. He also conceived the ceiling mural of night sky constellations for Grand Central Terminal in New York City. He was also the father of Jean Helleu and the grandfather of Jacques Helleu, both artistic directors for Parfums Chanel.

Paul César Helleu was born in Vannes, Brittany, France. His father, who was a customs inspector, died when Helleu was in his teens. Despite opposition from his mother, he then went to Paris and studied at Lycée Chaptal. In 1876, at age 16, he was admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts, beginning academic training in art with Jean-Léon Gérôme. Helleu attended the Second Impressionist Exhibition in the same year, and made his first acquaintances with John Singer Sargent, James McNeill Whistler, and Claude Monet. He was struck by their modern, bold alla prima technique and outdoor scenes, so far removed from the studio. Following graduation, Helleu took a job with the firm Théodore Deck Ceramique Française hand-painting fine decorative plates. At this same time, he met Giovanni Boldini, a portrait painter with a facile, bravura style, who became a mentor and comrade, and strongly influenced his future artistic style.

Helleu was commissioned in 1884 to paint a portrait of a young woman named Alice Guérin (1870–1933). They fell in love, and married on 28 July 1886. Throughout their lives together, she was his favourite model. Charming, refined and graceful, she helped introduce them to the aristocratic circles of Paris, where they became popular fixtures.

More Artwork by Paul César Helleu (View all 58 Artworks)

En bateau

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

Jeune Fille Endormie

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

Portrait de femme au chapeau à plumes

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

Harpiste assise à l’éventail

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

On The Beach

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

Four head studies of a lady, traditionally identified as Mrs Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

Jeune femme allongée

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

Portrait de Marthe Letellier, née Fourton

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

More Artwork by Paul César Helleu (View all 58 Artworks)

En bateau

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

Jeune Fille Endormie

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

Portrait de femme au chapeau à plumes

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

Harpiste assise à l’éventail

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

On The Beach

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)

Four head studies of a lady, traditionally identified as Mrs Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney

Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927)
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