Giovanni Boldini was born on 31 December 1842 in Ferrara, Italy. He was a leading painter of the Belle Époque, known for his elegant and dynamic portraits of high society. Boldini studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna and, in 1864, moved to Paris, where he established himself as one of the leading portrait painters.

His style is characterised by loose brushstrokes and a vibrant palette, capturing the fashion and glamour of aristocratic women. Boldini painted many portraits of prominent figures, such as actress Sarah Bernhardt and socialite Élisabeth de Rothschild.

Throughout his career, he became famous for his ability to convey movement and elegance in his works. Giovanni Boldini died on 11 January 1931 in Paris and left a legacy in portrait painting, being remembered as one of the great masters of his time.