Julius Leblanc Stewart

In this portrait, Stewart reveals much of the character of a beautiful, socially confident woman.  His works have much in common with those of his friend, the French painter of modern life, Jean Béraud (1849-1906).   Like the Impressionists, Béraud and Stewart were masters of capturing the moment, but in a more representational, polished style.

Stewart moved to Paris in 1865, where he settled and became known as the "Parisian from Philadelphia."  Like many American students (the most well-known being another Philadelphian, Thomas Eakins), he entered the studio of Jean-Léon Gérôme where he received a thorough academic training, which would have lasting influence on his style.  Stewart made his debut at the Salon in 1878 with two entries, where he achieved a reputation matched among his fellow Americans only by John Singer Sargent, who was training at the rival studio of Carolus-Duran. (see lot 125)  Critics praised Stewart's facility for informal portraiture, the delicacy with which he rendered the most fashionable costumes, and the modishness of his subjects.