The Lineage of a Master Draughtsman Born in the historic city of Nantes, France, Jules-Élie Delaunay emerged as a profound figure within the realm of French academic painting. His artistic journey began under the guidance of influential mentors, studying under Flandrin and later refining his craft at the prestigious École des Beaux- Arts in Paris under the tutelage of Lamothe. From his earliest training, Delaunay exhibited a remarkable command over line and form, developing a technical prowess that would eventually lead many to regard him as a draughtsman standing second only to the great In…