Hélène Bertaux

She was born in Paris and began her studies at the age of twelve with her mother's companion (and her father), the sculptor Pierre Hébert; she started her career by doing small pieces at his workshop, such as clocks, which were very popular at that time.

With very few exceptions, such as Rosa Bonheur, women at that time were viewed as models or inspirations for art, but not as artists themselves.

Although young women in bourgeois and upper-class families were frequently given drawing lessons, they were not admitted to the École des Beaux-arts and were considered incapable of producing truly worthwhile art.

The first highlighted work, Young Gallic Prisoner, features a male subject, which went against the accepted art world and societal etiquette.

These three pieces let Bertaux exemplify her sculpting ability, defy societal norms, and remain "true to her mission as a woman".