Constantin Guys (French 1802-1892)

A painter and illustrator in colorful watercolor and ink washes, Constantin Guys did illustrations that provide a valuable insight into 19th-century life in many locations.  He was from Holland and working for the Illustrated London News for many years until 1860, did many drawings from observations in Egypt, Turkey, Germany, Spain, Italy and the Crimea.  He died penniless, and was so humble during his career that he did not sign his work, nor did he objects when inferior copies were made for print reproductions.  However, during his lifetime, he was lauded by French writer, Charles Baudelaire, and by Impressionist painter, Claude Monet, who admired Guys' composition and modernist style.