Paul César Helleu (1859–1927) *elegant Woman With A Hat*, Ca. 1900. Art Nouveau, Icart, Proust, Monet

A magnificent, large print by Paul César Helleu—a colored drypoint or etching depicting an elegant woman wearing a feathered hat, dating from around 1895–1900 and signed in pencil by the artist within the plate mark. Dimensions: 33.5 x 55 cm (plate mark), 38 x 60 cm (visible image), and 60 x 82 cm (including frame). In very good condition; supplied in its period—and likely original—gilded frame. Authenticity guaranteed. This is a beautiful engraving by Paul César Helleu portraying a young, elegant woman—a Parisian from around 1900—adorned with a lovely feathered hat. As always with his work, the execution is exquisitely refined—hardly surprising, given that he was one of the finest French printmakers of the 1880–1910 period. I have not found this specific engraving in auction records, suggesting it may be quite rare. Paul Helleu (born Paul César Helleu) was a French painter and printmaker; he was born in Vannes on December 17, 1859, and died in Paris (7th arrondissement) on March 23, 1927.