A Greek Beauty

Émile Vernet-Lecomte, born Charles Émile Hippolyte Lecomte on March 15, 1821, in Paris, was a distinguished French Orientalist painter. Descending from a lineage of renowned artists, he was the great-grandson of Claude Joseph Vernet, the son of battle painter Hippolyte Lecomte, and the nephew of Horace Vernet, under whom he studied alongside Léon Cogniet. Vernet-Lecomte initially gained recognition for his portraits of the affluent bourgeoisie and aristocracy, debuting at the Paris Salon in 1843 with a bronze medal to his name. His early works were signed as 'Émile Lecomte,' but he later adopted the name 'Vernet-Lecomte' to honor his artistic heritage. Vernet-Lecomte's artistic journey took a significant turn towards Orientalism, a genre he passionately embraced. His first Orientalist pieces, 'Tête de Syrien' and 'Femme syrienne,' were exhibited at the 1847 Salon, marking the beginning of a prolific career painting exotic portraits of Eastern women. Beyond Orientalism, he also captured contemporary historical events, such as the Crimean War and the Druze massacre of Maronites in Syria, showcasing his versatility and engagement with the world around him. Vernet-Lecomte passed away on November 19, 1900, in his Paris residence on rue de Beaune, leaving behind a legacy enriched by his contributions to 19th-century French art. His works, including 'Femme fellah portant son enfant' and 'Ugolin et ses fils,' continue to be celebrated in museums across France.