Gerome was born in Vesoul, France May 11, 1824. The artist's father was a goldsmith. Jean Leon Gerome was enrolled in some of the best schools. He was successful in his studies. While attending school at Visual he was exposed to the artistic disciplines of drawing and painting. Although he had a somewhat broad education, he was strongly influenced by his drawing master Claude Basel Cariage (1798-1875) who, like most academic teachers, was said to be very strict with his curricula. He was a student of Ingres (1780-1867).

At the age of sixteen Gerome set out for Paris. His intent was to study with Paul Delaroche (1797-1856) as Gerome was well versed in the principals of drawing and painting and was familiar with the typical...