Julius LeBlanc Stewart

Though born in the United States, Julius Stewart's life mirrored that of his contemporary John Singer Sargent. Both were raised in Europe, where they were immersed in art and culture. Stewart’s father, William Stewart, was a prominent art collector who supported the careers of younger artists, including the Spanish painter Eduardo Zamacois, who became Stewart’s first teacher after the family moved from Philadelphia to Paris.

In Paris, Stewart grew up surrounded by art and artists. He studied under Raimundo de Madrazo and later joined the atelier of Jean-Léon Gérôme. His breakthrough came in 1883 with Five O’Clock Tea at the Salon, followed by a major success in 1889 with Hunt Supper. These works, featuring fashionable, high-society women of Paris, established his reputation as one of the leading portrait painters of the city’s elite. Stewart became known for his mastery of portraiture and figure painting, skillfully capturing not only his subjects but also the luxurious settings—cafés, gardens, banquet halls—where they gathered.

Although based in France, Stewart maintained a strong presence in the American art scene through exhibitions. French critics recognized his work as distinctly European but with a uniquely American touch. Later in his career, Stewart expanded his subject matter to include open-air nudes. He continued to exhibit in both Europe and America until his death in 1919, helping to bring more American artists into international exhibitions.