Actress, Artist’s Model. A noted performer of her time, today she is known for Pierre Auguste Renoir’s images of her. Born Leontine Pauline Samary to a theatrical family, she entered the Conservatoire de Paris at 14, a first-prize there leading to her professional debut at the Comedie-Francais as Dorine in Moliere’s “Tartuffe” on August 24, 1874. Becoming became something of a specialist in the works of Moliere and noted for her comedic portrayals, Jeanne also had success in Edourard Pailleron’s “L’Etincelle” and in his “La Monde ou l’on S’ennuie”. During her brief public career she modeled for Renoir about a dozen times, though not in the nude, and was reputed to have been one his many lovers, while Louise Abbema also was to depict her at least twice. Jeanne authored and published a children’s book entitled “The Charlotte Gourmandises” shortly before her death from typhoid fever. She can be seen in a number of major galleries. (bio by: Bob Hufford)