The First Spring

Julius LeBlanc Stewart, an American artist renowned for his lavish group portraits and scenes of high society, was born into privilege in Philadelphia in 1855. His family's relocation to Paris in 1865, spearheaded by his sugar magnate father William Hood Stewart, placed him at the heart of the European art scene from a young age. Stewart's artistic education was as elite as his social circle, training under Eduardo Zamacois, Jean-Léon Gérôme at the École des Beaux-Arts, and later Raymondo de Madrazo. His work, characterized by its opulent depictions of Parisian life, was regularly featured at the Paris Salon from 1878 onwards, cementing his reputation as 'the Parisian from Philadelphia'. Stewart's paintings often served as a visual diary of his affluent lifestyle, featuring friends, celebrities, and aristocrats in grandiose settings. Notable works like 'After the Wedding' and 'The Baptism' showcase his skill in capturing the elegance and dynamism of social gatherings. His series of yachting paintings, particularly those aboard James Gordon Bennett, Jr.'s yacht Namouna, highlight his ability to blend portraiture with maritime landscapes, with 'On the Yacht "Namouna", Venice' standing out for its inclusion of the famed actress Lillie Langtry. Despite his focus on society portraits, Stewart's later years saw a shift towards outdoor nudes, reflecting broader trends in art at the turn of the century. His legacy endures as a chronicler of the gilded age of American expatriates in Paris.