Paul César Helleu (1859-1927) was a French oil painter, pastel artist, drypoint etcher, and designer, best known for his numerous portraits of beautiful society women of the Belle Époque.
He also conceived the ceiling mural of night sky constellations for Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
He was also the father of Jean Helleu and the grandfather of Jacques Helleu, both artistic directors for Parfums Chanel.
His work epitomises the charm and elegance of French culture at the time - the Belle Époque - with all its verve and focus on fashion.