Paul de Longpre´ (1855-1911) was an entirely self-taught painter, gaining wide popularity in France for his renditions of flowers, especially roses, before coming to the U.S. and settling in New York City in 1890. In 1896 he held an exhibition of flower pieces, which secured him instant recognition, becoming the city's first major still-life painter. In 1898 he moved to California, and two years later bought a sizeable parcel at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Cahuenga Ave valued at $3,000 where he built a large Moorish-style mansion and planted a three-acre garden boasting more than 3,000 rose bushes. De Longpre´ was often called "Le Roi de Fleurs" (The King of Flowers) and won many awards during his lifetime. He died in Hollywood, California in 1911, at the age of 56. Photo of Paul de Longpre´ painting (title unknown), which won a prize at the Paris Salon; it was later purchased by Mary Pickford from Security Bank.
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