Мамелюк

1829–1834

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.

1836

First extended visit to Russia

Travels to Russia on diplomatic missions and enjoys the patronage of Emperor Nicholas I.

March 1840

The earliest photographs of Malta, en route to Egypt

During a stop at Malta on his way to Egypt, he takes the earliest known photographs of the island at Fort Manoel; they are now believed to be lost. Drawn to the daguerreotype, he also photographs in Egypt as reference material for his paintings.