Ernest-Adolphe Guys of Saint Helena, known as Constantin Guys, was born on December 3, 1802 in Flushing (Netherlands) and died on March 13, 1892 in Paris. Son of François-Lazare Guys, vice-consul of France, he embarked at the age of 19 to participate in the Greek War of Independence and survived the disaster of Peta in 1822. Back in France, he was briefly detained by the police for his involvement.
From 1830 onwards he became known as a draughtsman and lithographer, becoming a prolific chronicler of the urban and social life of his time. In 1854-1855 he travelled to Crimea to illustrate the war forThe Illustrated London NewsBaudelaire pays homage to him in his essayThe Painter of Modern Life, presenting him as the embodiment of artistic modernity.
His works, both documentary and aesthetic, demonstrate his keen sense of observation and his ability to capture the spirit of his times. Constantin Guys is buried in the Parisian cemetery of Pantin, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of drawing and illustration.
