Paul César Helleu

Private Collection, France

Edges of paper affixed to backmat with archival tape. Paper slightly darkened over time, as suggested by horizontal area visible along lower edge. Colors are bright and fresh.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Paul-César Helleu was one of the finest draughtsmen of his age, whose sinuous line epitomizes the Belle Époque. Helleu was also strongly aware of his place in French artistic tradition: having studied with Jean-Léon Gérôme, a pupil of Ingres, he described himself as "the grandson of Ingres." Celebrated for his portraits of society beauties and graceful drawings of women, he was most inspired by his red-haired wife and muse Alice Guérin, 

Here, Alice is dressed to go walking in a three-flounce suit and feathered hat, carrying a cane. Helleu was finely attuned to female fashion, and in an interview given in 1902 to the Evening Telegraph, he commented: ‘My pictures are in great demand in France, by all the leading modistes as models for their gowns. Felix, Doucet and Worth all follow my suggestions. Beige, the color of dead leaves, I use largely. It’s so artistic and becoming. It blends, you know, with the hair and complexion. You will notice it is popular…There is nothing which gives a figure such long, graceful lines as the three flounce suit. This I have introduced with splendid effect" ("Mr Helleu, artist, enthuses over American woman and originates fashion," The Evening Telegraph, December 20, 1902).