Jean-Léon Gérôme (May 11, 1824 – January 10, 1904)

                                                                                              

Arabs Crossing the Desert

1870

One of the great Academic artists, Gérôme is best known for his Orientalist-oriented works (Orientalism is really a more thematic rather than stylistic label, which is why I've not included it among the other labels on this blog). And, out of a great many artists, Gérôme always seemed to me to be one of the most capable storytellers, imbuing a canvas with a wide amount of kineticism and detail all circling around one theme. One interesting note is that he taught Redon (Redon was one of many famous students of this famous teacher). Redon, of course, learned nothing from him and left his studio rather abruptly; and one can hardly imagine a more stylistically separated pupil.  

Pollice Verso

1872

Mufti Reading in His Prayer Stool

c. 1900

Phryné Before the Areopagus

1861

The Negro Master of the Hounds

Duel after a Masquerade Ball

1857

Summer Afternoon on a Lake

c. 1895