Jean-Leon Gerome

Jean-Leon Gerome was the son of a goldsmith who discouraged him to join the painting studio of a Parisian artist. He worked in France for a while, selling religious cards before moving to Italy. Gerome was given a commission by the French government in the late 1840’s to paint a mural titled Age of Augustus. In order to acquire source material for this project, he traveled across Europe and Asia Minor and then spent two years working on the detailed painting. Upon its completion, Gerome spent several months sketching in Egypt. Later in his career, he abandoned the mythological and history paintings for which he was known and began sculpting. He was appointed professor at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts.

Jean-Leon Gerome Images:
Last Prayers Of The Christian Martyrs
The Carpet Market
Venus Rising The Star