Jean-Léon Gérôme (1824–1904) was a French painter and sculptor renowned for his meticulously detailed and historically accurate works, particularly those depicting scenes from ancient civilisations and Orientalist subjects. Born in Vesoul, France, Gérôme showed early artistic talent and began his formal training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under the guidance of Paul Delaroche, a prominent academic painter.

Gérôme's early works were influenced by the Neoclassical style, characterised by its emphasis on precise draftsmanship and idealised forms. However, he later became associated with the Academicism movement, which prioritised historical and mythological themes executed with technical virtuosity.

Throughout his career, Gérôme gained widespread acclaim for his ability to create vivid and immersive scenes that transported viewers to distant lands and epochs. His travels to Egypt and the Middle East in the 1850s provided him with first-hand experience of the exotic cultures and landscapes that would later become recurring motifs in his art.

One of Gérôme's most famous works is "The Snake Charmer," a mesmerising portrayal of an Orientalist scene featuring a snake charmer captivating a group of spectators. This painting exemplifies his mastery of composition, lighting, and narrative storytelling, as well as his fascination with the exotic and the theatrical.

In addition to his paintings, Gérôme was also a skilled sculptor, producing a number of notable works in this medium, including "Tanagra" and "Bellona." His sculptures, like his paintings, often drew inspiration from classical antiquity and mythology, reflecting his reverence for the artistic traditions of the past.

Gérôme's art enjoyed immense popularity during his lifetime, and he received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to the arts. His works were highly sought after by collectors and patrons, both in France and abroad, and they continue to be celebrated for their technical brilliance and evocative storytelling.

Today, Jean-Léon Gérôme is regarded as one of the leading figures of 19th-century academic art, whose enduring legacy lies in his ability to capture the imagination of viewers with his richly detailed and emotionally resonant depictions of the past.