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An Artist’s Regrettable Technique

The Army relief—shown on the left—was later described as “an explosion of action.” It features a central figure (who resembles Macmonnies) leading a rearing horse. . .

A Famous American Artist

The U.S. expat sculptor Frederick William Macmonnies—who lived in Paris from 1884-1915—would certainly have been known to Julia by reputation. When he arrived there in 1884, he took. . .

Reuniting with the Maybecks

Julia and her young charge, Sara Whitney, shared a single room in a French family’s flat while searching for a better residence. Julia wrote to her cousins on October 12, 1897: “How many fifth story, fourth story. . .

Changing Residences

During her first year in Paris (1896-97), Julia lived at the American Girls Club at 4 rue de Chevreuse. Though it provided a safe haven for many young female artists, this rambling 18th-century building was far from ideal. . .

Happy 153rd Birthday, Julia (1872-1957)!

A few of the birthday greetings Julia received from her family still survive. They were mailed to her in Paris, where she was studying architecture. Her mother Eliza. . .

A Birthday Present

Julia’s sister Emma sent her a novel for her twenty-ninth birthday, writing on January 6, 1901: “I wish you ever so many happy Birthdays and this one too – trusting in some way that you may have. . .

A Groundbreaking Talking Picture

  Though Julia’s brother Avery did not arrive in Paris until nine months after she had attended Cyrano de Bergerac, he may have been able to watch a brief portion… Read more »

Viewing a Legendary Play

Julia and her friends occasionally went to the theater in Paris, where she saw great actors perform their signature roles, including Sarah Bernhardt playing Hamlet and Constant Coquelin playing Cyrano. . .

A Spectacular View

Julia struggled through her first icy winter in Paris. She was thrilled to see the first signs of spring, writing to the LeBruns on March 1, 1897: “The weather is beginning to brighten, these days. . .

Cathedral Bells

Julia occasionally allowed herself a day of sightseeing, amidst her strenuous preparations for the École des Beaux-Arts’ entrance exams. On Easter Sunday in 1897, she showed a young female visitor. . .