Jules Joseph Lefebvre (1836-1911) was a prominent French figure painter, celebrated for his portraits and mythological themes. His artwork, characterized by its elegance and technical precision, made significant contributions to academic painting during the late 19th century, resonating with both critics and the public alike. Born on March 14, 1836, in Tournan-en-Brie, Seine-et-Marne, Lefebvre came from a humble background. He displayed an early interest in art and began his formal education at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1852. Under the tutelage of Léon Cogniet, he honed his skills and absorbed the academic principles that would profoundly influence his later works. Lefebvre's talent was recognized early in his career when he won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1861. This accolade awarded him a scholarship to study at the French Academy in Rome, a turning point that exposed him to the masterpieces of the Renaissance and classical antiquity. His experiences in Italy enriched his aesthetic sensibilities and provided a foundational influence evident in his subsequent creations. Upon returning to Paris, Lefebvre embarked on a successful career as a painter, quickly gaining acclaim. In 1864, he debuted at the Salon, the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He was awarded a third-class medal for his submission, an early sign of his rising prominence. Over the years, Lefebvre would win numerous medals, including a gold medal at the 1878 Exposition Universelle, an international exposition held in Paris. Lefebvre is perhaps best known for his refined portrayals of female beauty. His works such as "La Vérité" (1870), which features a nude figure of Truth touched by sunlight, and "Chloé" (1875), celebrated for its captivating portrayal of youthful innocence, are emblematic of his style. These paintings not only showcase his skill in rendering the human form with both realism and idealism but also reflect the prevailing tastes and artistic norms of his era. In addition to his achievements in painting, Lefebvre was also a dedicated educator. He taught at the Académie Julian in Paris, where he influenced a generation of artists, including many women painters, which was somewhat progressive for his time. His teaching was characterized by an emphasis on the fundamentals of drawing and an adherence to classical techniques, yet he encouraged his students to develop their own artistic voices. Throughout his career, Lefebvre was involved in various artistic circles and institutions. He was made an Officer of the Legion of Honor in 1870 and later promoted to Commander. His membership in the Académie des Beaux-Arts from 1891 until his death in 1911 further cemented his status within the French artistic elite. Jules Joseph Lefebvre died on February 24, 1911, in Paris. His legacy, however, continues to be celebrated in the art world. His works are held in many major museums across the globe, enduring as testaments to his mastery and his contribution to the art of his time. Lefebvre’s commitment to beauty, coupled with his academic rigor, marks him as one of the stalwarts of French academic painting in the 19th century.