Mother and Child

This drawing is a very natural depiction of Helleu's wife, Alice Louise-Gurin, whom he had married on the 29th July 1886. After the sudden death of his daughter Alice in 1898, his wife and his other children Ellen, Jean and Paulette became the centre of his work. Madame Helleu is seen here holding their daughter Paulette. Helleu was obsessed by the female figure and, in deep admiration for his wife, chose her as his favourite model. She was refined, charming and graceful and his portraits of her, either as an elegant lady or as caring mother as in the present work, are drawn with an intimate sensitivity.

Madame Howard-Johnston has confirmed the authenticity of this work.