A drypoint etching of the Duchess of Marlborough by Paul Cesar Helleu.

Framed Height width

Ref: M1111

Consuelo Vanderbilt, the Duchess of Marlborough, is probably the most renowned of the society protraits by Helleu, rumours abound that they had an affair. Certianly the heiress was virtually sold into a loveless marraiage with Charles Spencer Churchill, the 9th duke of Marlborough. He used her immesse wealth to save his home Blenheim Palace. Whilst they had two sons and were married for 25 years they spent the majority of that time apart. They were eventually divorced and she remarried. She was considered one of the great beauties of her age with a face compelling enough to cause the playwright Sir James Barrie, author of Peter Pan to write: "I would stand all day in the street to see Consuelo Marlborough get into her carriage."

Paul Cesar Helleu (17 December 1859 – 23 March 1927) was best known for his numerous drawings and dry point etchings in particular portraits of beautiful society women of the Belle Epoque. He learnt his technique from James Jacques Tissot and was also greatly influenced by his friendship with John Singer Sargent.