Gérôme was a frequent traveller, first visiting the East in 1854 and returning in 1867, 1869, 1875 and 1881. Some of his "Orientalist" paintings are of documentary interest whereas others are highly romanticized. Orientalism became popular in French art from Napoleon's ultimately unsuccessful invasion of Egypt and Syria in 1798-1801.
On the Desert
oil on panel • 21 x 26.8 cm
-
Jean-Léon Gérôme