Paul César Helleu. Portraits of women

La Como Civic Art Gallery, in the exhibition space Square fieldpresents a fascinating selection of works by Paul César Helleu, master of Belle Époque. The exhibition displays eight portraits of women belonging to the patron's collection Carlo Grassidonated in 1985 to the Como Municipal Museums by his wife Nedda Mieliin memory of their son Ginofell during the World War II.

Helleu, renowned for his extraordinary ability to capture feminine elegance and grace, has left an indelible mark on the world of the19th century art. His works, realised with the technique of drypointare distinguished by the delicacy of the stroke and the refinement of the composition, with meticulous attention to detail in the faces, hairstyles and dresses of his muses.

Alongside Helleu's portraits, the exhibition presents an evocative portrait of the artist by Giovanni Boldini and a plaster sculpture by sculptor Paul Troubetzkoydepicting the French painter in a style reminiscent of the movement of the Scapigliati.

The installation, curated by Veronica Vittani and Francesca Testonipays tribute to an era of great cultural and artistic ferment, in which Helleu enjoyed considerable success in Paris, London and New York. The exhibition is enriched by a portrait of the artist's wife, Alicehis favourite muse, depicted in the only horizontal painting in the series.

This exhibition is not only a tribute to Helleu's fine art, but also tells the story of the Grassi Collectionranging from Egyptian antiquities to theoriental artto the masterpieces of Manet, Van Gogh, Ensor, Cézanne, Boccioni and Morandi. A heritage of inestimable value, fruit of the passion of a family that has been able to transform grief into an act of generosity towards the community.