Identity:

Charles Ephrussi was a wealthy amateur art historian and collector.

Life:

Ephrussi was founder and editor of what became the most prestigious and influential art historical journal in France, the Gazette des Beaux-Arts. He also published widely on art; his works include Albert Dürer et ses dessins (1882); Grands peintres français et étrangers; ouvrage d'art, publié avec le concours artistique des maîtres; texte par les principaux critiques d'art. (1884-6) and Paul Baudry, sa vie et son oeuvre (1887).

Marcel Proust is said to have based the character of Swann on Charles Haas and Ephrussi in his novel A la recherche du temps perdu (1913-1927).

Bibliography:

http://newfirstsearch.uk.oclc.org/ (accessed 3 June 2004)