Gertrude Stein was an American avant-garde writer and art collector, born on February 3, 1874, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. She is best known for her contributions to modernist literature and her unique writing style, which often featured repetitive phrases and unconventional grammar. Stein spent much of her life in Paris, where she became a central figure in the expatriate community of artists and writers. Stein's most famous works include Three Lives and Tender Buttons, which showcase her innovative approach to language. She was also a patron of artists like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, helping to shape the modern art movement. Stein passed away on July 27, 1946, leaving a lasting impact on both literature and art.