Horace Vernet (1789–1863) was in high demand both as a painter and a diplomat. He managed to join the French political elite in Napoleon’s time and retain that position after the fall of the emperor. As a painter, Vernet contributed to the popularity of battle scene art, which was his main passion, and orientalism, i. e. subjects, images, and motifs associated with Oriental culture.
In July 1830, France saw another revolution, which vested power in the hands of the “citizen king” Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orleans. Using the opportunity, he asked Vernet to paint a series of pictures glorifying the heroism of the French army in Algeria. To fulfill the order, the painter left for Northern Africa where he took to oriental curiosities.
In July 1830, France saw another revolution, which vested power in the hands of the “citizen king” Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orleans. Using the opportunity, he asked Vernet to paint a series of pictures glorifying the heroism of the French army in Algeria. To fulfill the order, the painter left for Northern Africa where he took to oriental curiosities.