Paul César Helleu (1859–1927): A Portraitist of Parisian Elegance Paul César Helleu (17 December 1859 – 23 March 1927) was a French painter, pastel artist, drypoint etcher, and designer who achieved renown for his captivating portraits of women from Parisian society during the Belle Époque—a period brimming with artistic innovation and opulent social life. His distinctive style blended meticulous observation with expressive brushwork, capturing not merely likeness but also the spirit and grace of his subjects. Born in Vannes, Brittany, Helleu’s formative years instilled a deep appreciation f…