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The hat and the gesture

An Elegant Lady Wearing a Hat lifts the arms around the head, creating a clear outline above the narrow figure. The dark hat and lightly suggested clothing leave much of the surrounding space open. Other portraits and figure studies vary the balance between detailed features and economical marks.

A figure absorbed in looking

Madame Alice Helleu Looking at a Drawing turns the seated sitter away from the viewer towards the sheet in front of her. Curving lines follow the chair, clothing and posture without filling every part of the room. Reading and other quiet activities recur elsewhere in the collection.

The figure beside the water

Madame Helleu aboard the Yacht Bird brings a pale parasol and reclining figure among deck surfaces and rigging, with blue water beyond. Its broader colour and outdoor light offer a contrast with the spare figure studies. Explore figurative prints for further sitters in varied settings.

Related artists and collections

Compare society portraits in John Singer Sargent, fluid figure painting in Giovanni Boldini and carefully staged encounters in James Tissot. The wider Paris collection provides another route through the settings of public and private life.

Read more in our guide to Paul-César Helleu.