VVFA Modern | Artists | Julius Leblanc Stewart (American, 1855 - 1919)

Julius Stewart’s life was similar to that of his contemporary, John Singer Sargent. Both were born to wealthy American families and were raised and educated in Europe. It was in Paris that Julius would grow up surrounded by art, artists and collectors. He studied under Raimundo de Madrazo and was later enrolled in the atelier of Jean-Leon Gerôme. Stewart had his first success in the Salon of 1883 with his Five O’Clock Tea, followed by a hugely successful entry in 1889 titled Hunt Supper. These pictures best exemplify his subject matter and style; the fashionable, high society ladies of Paris’ upper class. He became one of the leading portrait painters of the city’s social elite, capturing them amidst the exquisite surroundings of the cafes, gardens and banquet halls where they gathered. Remaining in Paris until his death in 1919, Stewart endures as one of our finest ex-patriot painters of the turn of the century.

Profile of Young Girl is a unusual composition for Stewart in that it is simply a cameo profile. Instead of a traditional head on portrait, the sitter is not specific to us, so it becomes of study of youth and beauty to which any viewer can relate and appreciate.

Exhibitions
National Academy of Design, 1883, 1885, 1904, 1914
Paris Salon, 1885, 1890
Berlin International Art Exhibition1891,1895
Munich 1897, 1901
Paris Exposition 1900
Philadelphia Club
Liege Exhibition, 1905

Collections
Art Institute of Chicago, IL
Buffalo Museum, NY
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts