Jacques Guillaume Lucien Amans (1801–1888) was a distinguished French Neoclassical portrait painter who became the leading artist of the antebellum South. Trained in the rigorous traditions of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris—under the influence of masters like Ingres and Jacques-Louis David—Amans brought a refined European sophistication to New Orleans in the 1830s. His work is characterized by meticulous draftsmanship, realistic flesh tones, and an uncanny ability to capture the delicate textures of silk, lace, and velvet. Under the patronage of wealthy Louisiana plantation owners and notable figures like President Andrew Jackson, he created iconic works such as Bélizaire and the Frey Children and the celebrated Creole in a Red Turban. Amans' art style, known for its warm characterizations and elegant three-quarter poses, translates beautifully into cross-stitch. Stitching an Amans piece allows you to recreate the luster of 19th-century high society, focusing on the intricate details of historical fashion and the soulful expressions of his subjects.