Galilée méditant

1817–1818

Turns from landscape to history painting

Declaring that landscape holds no interest for him, and disenchanted with the academic system, he leaves the École des Beaux-Arts at the end of 1817. In 1818 he enters the studio of Antoine-Jean Gros, where he can pursue history painting, which interested him far more.

1822

Makes his debut at the Paris Salon

Exhibits “Christ Descended from the Cross” and “Jehosheba Saving Joash”.

1832

Elected to the Académie des Beaux-Arts

Already known as a history painter, he is elected to the Académie des Beaux-Arts of the Institut de France in the painting section, taking seat no. 13.

after 1837

Stops exhibiting at the Salons

After “St. Cecilia” he stops showing his work altogether: the cool reception of the painting, together with his rejection of Davidian values in French society and government, leads to a self-imposed exile from the state-sponsored Salons.

1845

Death of his wife Louise

Louise dies at thirty-one; it is said that Delaroche never recovered from the shock. After the loss he produces a series of small, elaborate pictures of the Passion, centred on its human drama: in one, Saint John escorts Mary home after her son’s death.

4 novembre 1856

Died