Paul César HELLEU (1859-1927)
Study of Two Heads of Ellen
Three-pencil drawing on paper
Signed "Helleu" lower right
35 x 42 cm
Framed
We would like to thank Madame de Watrigant, president of the Friends of Paul-César Helleu, for confirming the authenticity of this drawing based on a photograph. This work is referenced in the artist's catalog raisonné under n°APCH DE1-8540.
Condition report available on request: contact@neo-encheres.com
NOTICE
The artist quickly made a name for himself with his graceful, elegant depictions of women. Our drawing represents Ellen, Paul-César Helleu's eldest daughter. Experimenting with a wide range of techniques, he appreciated pastel and produced drawings using the "three pencils", a technique borrowed from the 18th century that allowed for the creation of fine contrasts. These works, rare on the market, testify to the artist's virtuosity.
BIOGRAPHY
A French painter and engraver, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and joined Jean-Léon Gérôme's studio. He befriended Whistler and Sargent, then Claude Monet, whom he met at Durand-Ruel's second Impressionist exhibition. From 1880 onwards, he worked with Théodore Deck, for whom he executed ceramic decorations. At the same time, he met Giovanni Boldini, the beginning of a long friendship, and then went into exile in England, where he learned drypoint from James Tissot.
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