 |
| Self Portrait with Pipe - 1835 |
There can be little more illustrious start in life for an artist than being born in the Louvre itself but for Vernet, that's just what happened. A third generation painter, Vernet rejected Classicism and went in search of truth, particularly in his sometimes warts and all depictions of the French military.
A particular favourite of the duc d'Orleans, the future King Louis-Philippe, Vernet became celebrated for his depictions of battle and eventually added Napoléon III to his patrons, travelling with the French Army to the Crimea in search of subjects.
According to the author, Dr John Watson, a certain consulting detective of Baker Street claimed Vernet as a relative, and who am I to argue?
 |
| Polish Prometheus - 1831 |
 |
| Hunting in the Pontine Marshes - 1833 |
I admittedly don't know a lot about French history, but I do know that the Louvre hasn't always been a museum.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love his extend-o-pipe!! LOL
Yes, it's a pipe and a half!
ReplyDeleteThe Louvre started life as a fortress and went through a number of uses before it became a museum. Hmm, I think there might be a post in that!