Vernet, HoraceFrench, 1789–1863Judith et Holopherne
May one see it?
Unknown
Pau, France
The owner is known; whether it is on view today is not.
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
Judith and Holofernes is an oil on canvas painting by Horace Vernet, from 1830. He was then director of the Académie de France à Rome It shows Judith just before beheading Holofernes. Since 22 December 1912 it has been in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pau.
Particulars
- Accession number
- D.12.14.3 ; 1032 (Ancien numéro)
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pau
- Image: Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pau — RMN-Grand Palais ; Thierry Ollivier; Ministère de la Culture (France), base Joconde
Meanwhile, in the life of Vernet, Horace
The whole life1829–1834
Post: director of the French Academy in Rome
1829–1835
Friendship with Bertel Thorvaldsen
In Rome he befriends the world-famous Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, who spent most of his professional life in Italy.
1830
The July Revolution opens new commissions
The Revolution of 1830 puts Louis-Philippe, who had backed Vernet under the Restoration, on the throne and opens new opportunities: the artist receives numerous state commissions for battle paintings.
1833
Travels to Algeria as official artist
At Louis-Philippe's request he goes to Algeria as an official artist, with two battalions assigned to guard his journeys; yet he is struck less by the feats of the French soldiers than by their brave opponents in picturesque costumes. It is the first of five long visits to North Africa (1833, 1837, 1839–1840, 1845, 1853), during which he eagerly draws and gathers documents on the French conquests in Algeria and Morocco, material later turned into large canvases for the military gallery at Versailles.
