Charles Helleu

Charles Helleu (1859-1927) was a French painter and photographer who is best known for his portraits of the Belle Époque era. He was born in Courbevoie, France, and studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

Helleu's career began as a painter, but he soon turned to photography as his primary medium. He was an early adopter of the autochrome process, which allowed him to capture color photographs. His work often featured women in elegant poses, and he became known for his ability to capture the beauty of his subjects.

Helleu's work was highly sought after by wealthy patrons, including members of the French aristocracy and high society. He photographed many famous figures of the time, including Sarah Bernhardt and Isadora Duncan. His photographs were also featured in magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

Helleu's work has been exhibited in galleries around the world, including the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. His photographs are now considered some of the most iconic images from the Belle Époque era.