Bernard Boutet de Monvel (1881-1949) was a French painter, sculptor,

engraver, and illustrator known for his refined, geometric style and his

role as a key figure in the Art Deco movement. Born into an artistic

family in Paris, Boutet de Monvel studied at the Académie Julian and

developed a distinct aesthetic characterized by precise lines and a muted

color palette. His work often depicted the elite society of the interwar

period, and he was particularly celebrated for his portraits of the

American and European aristocracy. In addition to his painting, Boutet

de Monvel was a skilled illustrator and contributed to several leading

fashion magazines of his time.

Boutet de Monvel's connection with the United States was significant,

as he traveled there frequently and established a strong following

among the American upper class. He first visited the U.S. in 1926, and

his work soon captured the attention of prominent figures, including

socialites and industrial magnates. His American commissions included

portraits of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and various members of high

society, further cementing his reputation as a master portraitist. His

travels to the U.S. also influenced his artistic style, introducing a certain

modernity and crispness to his compositions that aligned well with the

burgeoning Art Deco movement in America. His legacy is one of

transatlantic influence, blending the sophistication of French art with

the dynamism of the American cultural landscape.