The Divine Mercy novena begins today. Never underestimate the power of prayer.
Title:Portrait de Lucette….
Artist:Paul César Helleu (French, 1859-1927).
Not Dated.
Paul César Helleu (Vannes, Brittany, 17 December 1859 – Paris 23 March 1927) was a French Impressionist painter, who became famous as a portrait painter.
Life:Sargent:
Helleu initially apprenticed as a ceramicist and also took drawing lessons. In 1876, after the death of his father, he moved to Paris against his mother’s wishes to study at the École des Beaux-Arts, where he worked under Jean-Léon Gérôme (1824 – 1904). He became involved in Impressionist circles and came into contact with famous artists such as Henri Matisse, Edgar Degas, Robert de Montesquiou, James Tissot and Giovanni Boldini.
During this period, Helleu became a close and ultimately lifelong friend of the painter John Singer Sargent, who praised and encouraged him, especially in the early stages of his career, when success was still far away.
In 1884, Helleu was commissioned to portray the beautiful young aristocratic woman Alice Guerin. Two years later, she would become his wife. Alice then introduced him to the highest circles, where he became one of the most popular portrait painters of the Parisian ‘beau monde’ during the Belle Époque. His own wife, however, remained his most favourite model. He entrusted her to the canvas dozens of times. John Singer Sargent also portrayed Alice several times, often together with Helleu.
In 1902, Helleu became a member of the 'Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts’, and in 1904 he was appointed to the Legion of Honour.
“Irises” - Watercolor, 1867
Painter ,Francois Rivoire (1842-1919) , French
The Pfund Molkeri dairy in Dresden, (Germany), is listed by the Guinness Book of Records as the most beautiful dairy in the world and it sells more than 150 different kinds of cheeses.
It is covered by complete on floor, walls and ceramic tile ceiling with images of flowers, angels and animals.
It was founded in 1880.
Vasily Polenov (1844-1927) Russian realist and landscape painter.
“An Olive Tree in the Garden of Gethsemane” c.1882. Oil on canvas.
Location: Tretyakov Gallery.
