Encampment near Constantinople is an 1856 history painting by French Academic artist Jean-Léon Gérôme.
Analysis of Encampment near Constantinople
In 1856 Jean-Léon Gérôme travelled on a Grand Tour of the Near East and the Encampment near Constantinople is the result of a plein-air (painting produced outside at the scene) oil sketch.
We see in the foreground a few humble tents sheltering their occupants from the heat of the sun. This is in contrast to the background view of the city of Constantinople, with the renowned and ornate spires or minarets of the Haghia Sophia church or mosque rising into the pale blue sky. This work was painted 22 years after Gérôme’s travels and the original sketch.
Jean-Léon Gérôme’s Encampment near Constantinople is in the Ger Eenens Collection in the Netherlands.
Dear Sirs,
This is the original oil sketch by Gerome direct from his estate bought by madame Renault. In his diary he described the making of this sketch with still the ‘prick holes’ of the punaises in the linen. this is confirmed by Ackerman,
Best
Ger Eenens