Biography:

Jean-Léon Gérôme was born on May 11, 1824 in Vesoul, France and was a 19th century French artist.  He was a student of Paul Delaroche and many of his paintings explored Greco-Roman themes and classical mythology.  His paintings were inspired by his travels to Egypt, the Holy Land, and Asia Minor.  In addition to being a successful painter, Gérôme was a sculptor and a teacher.