Gertrude Stein (1874–1946) was an American avant-garde writer, poet, and art collector, best known for her groundbreaking literary style and influence on 20th-century modernism. Born in Pennsylvania, Stein studied at Radcliffe College and later in Europe, where she became a central figure in the expatriate community in Paris. She is renowned for her experimental use of language, notably in works like Three Lives (1909) and Tender Buttons (1914), which challenged traditional narrative forms and syntax. Stein's writing often focused on the fluidity of identity and perception, using repetition and fragmented language to explore the inner workings of the mind.  In addition to her literary work, Stein played a key role in the development of modern art, serving as a patron to artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Her home in Paris became a hub for avant-garde artists and writers. Stein’s influence extended beyond literature, shaping movements like Surrealism and Dada.