Jean-Léon GÉRÔME
1824-1904
L'Amérique
Before 1855
Preparatory study for the allegorical figure of America, decorating the lighthouse built in the transept of the palais de l’Industrie for the Exposition Universelle of 1855
Red chalk on wove paper
347 × 223 mm
Annotation on the top right with red chalk Amerique
Provenance: Jean-Léon Gérôme, descent of Aimé Morot (Lugt 3230)
Bibliography: C. Cugnier et G. Ackerman, Gérôme 1824-1904, Peintre, sculpteur et graveur, Ses œuvres conservées dans les collections publiques françaises et privées, Vesoul, Musée Georges Garret, 1981, p. 52 ; G. Ackerman, Les orientalistes, Jean-Léon Gérôme, monographie et catalogue raisonné, Courbevoie, ACR Éditions, Les éditions de l’Amateur, 1986, p.198, n°65
There were twelve allegorical figures similar to this one. Although they are missing today, they are known through the photographs of the BnF. Other studies, preserved in private collections, represent the allegorical figures of Denmark, Portugal or France.