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Paul-César Helleu was a French painter, draftsman, and engraver renowned for his elegant portraits of fashionable women from the Belle Époque. Born on December 17, 1859, in Vannes, France, Helleu grew up in a family that encouraged his artistic aspirations. He attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied under Jean-Léon Gérôme, one of the most respected academic painters of the time. Although Helleu initially struggled to find his voice as an artist, his exposure to Impressionism and its revolutionary techniques profoundly influenced his work, particularly in his later depictions of light and texture. Helleu's career flourished when he began focusing on pastel and drypoint engraving, mediums that allowed him to create luminous and intimate portraits. His subjects were often members of the Parisian elite and international high society, including figures like Consuelo Vanderbilt and the Marchesa Casati. Helleu’s works captured the grace and allure of his sitters, portraying them with a sense of refinement and sophistication that reflected the spirit of the Belle Époque. His use of delicate lines and soft, glowing colors imbued his portraits with a dreamlike quality, making his style instantly recognizable. Despite his success as a portraitist, Helleu's talent extended beyond individual commissions. He was deeply influenced by Japanese art, particularly ukiyo-e prints, which inspired his decorative sensibilities and his mastery of composition. His versatility is evident in his designs for the ceiling of the Grand Central Terminal in New York City, where he created a celestial map that celebrates the grandeur of the cosmos. Helleu's work enjoyed widespread acclaim during his lifetime, though his fame began to wane in the 20th century as modern art movements came to the forefront. Nonetheless, his contributions to art remain significant as they capture the fleeting elegance of an era marked by opulence and cultural dynamism. Helleu passed away on March 23, 1927, in Paris, but his legacy endures in the exquisite portraits and decorative pieces that continue to evoke the sophistication of the Belle Époque.