Jules Emile Saintin

Jules Emile Saintin began his studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts at the young age of 16, studying with Drolling and then Picot.  He exhibited regularly at the Salon beginning in 1848, winning medals in 1866, 1870 and 1886.  He began his career painting elegant portraits, including one of Princess Mathilde Bonaparte.  In 1853 his career took a new direction when he moved to the United States and spent the next 9 years painting ethnographic images of Native Americans.  The experience attuned the painter to the particular characteristics of costume, and after his return to Paris he applied this interest to images of Parisian women in the latest fashions of the day.