Bashi-Bazouk

1864–1904

The studio everyone wanted to join

Places in Gérôme’s atelier were limited and keenly sought: only the best students were admitted. Students progressed from drawing after antique works and casts to drawing from the live model and only then were allowed to paint in oils; he attended every Wednesday and Saturday and was known as a severe critic, but helped his students outside the school too, inviting them to his own studio and recommending them to the Salon.

1867

The World’s Fair: twelve canvases and “The Death of Caesar”

At the 1867 World’s Fair Gérôme showed twelve canvases in the French pavilion; “The Death of Caesar” stood out, once again drawing immoderate praise from Gautier. That same year he was promoted to officer of the Legion of Honour.

1868

“The Execution of Marshal Ney”: asked to withdraw the picture

“The Execution of Marshal Ney” at the Salon of 1868 prompted Ney’s descendants to ask Gérôme to withdraw it, but he refused. Opinion was sharply split, and this Salon marked the beginning of a lasting divide between Gérôme and many French critics, who accused him of relying on literary devices, of commercialising art and of bringing politics into it.

1 January 1868

Leaves for the Near East with eight friends

On 1 January 1868 Gérôme left his students in the care of Gustave Boulanger and set off for the Near East with eight fellow artists and writers. In Cairo he was received by the Khedive Ismail Pasha, then visited Giza and the Faiyum oasis.

1870–1871

The war: refuge in England

For the duration of the Franco-Prussian War Gérôme took refuge in England with his family but could hardly work: his catalogues list only “Pifferari”, showing street musicians in London. He returned to Paris in June 1871: his house and studio had been damaged in the shelling, but his country villa was untouched, and he soon resumed teaching at the École des Beaux-Arts.

1870s

Rising popularity in the United States

In the 1870s Gérôme’s works were particularly sought after by wealthy Americans: over his career he sold American patrons 144 paintings, nearly a quarter of his output; among his American students was Thomas Eakins.