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Portrait of a "Mamelouk"

1810
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 634

This debonair early portrait by Vernet, a leading battle painter of the nineteenth century, is thought to depict one of hundreds of Middle Easterners who sought refuge in France following Napoleon’s unsuccessful invasion of Egypt in 1798–1801. The sitter’s name is unknown, but he is identifiable by his garments as a member of the corps of Mamluks, conscripted by Napoleon as part of the French military. Their ranks were later filled by native-born Frenchmen; elements of their dress permeated civilian fashion.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Portrait of a "Mamelouk"
  • Artist: Horace Vernet (French, Paris 1789–1863 Paris)
  • Date: 1810
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 29 1/2 x 24 1/4 in. (75 x 61.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Kenneth Jay Lane, 2014
  • Object Number: 2014.435.3
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

More Artwork

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Alceste, Horace Vernet French, Engraving
Alceste
Horace Vernet
Prevost
ca. 1840
Monsieur Jourdain, Horace Vernet French, Engraving
Monsieur Jourdain
Horace Vernet
ca. 1840
Costume Parisien
Multiple artists/makers
1799–1831
Shipwrecked Victim Thrown onto the Shore of Pourville, Horace Vernet French, Lithograph; only state
Shipwrecked Victim Thrown onto the Shore of Pourville
Horace Vernet
1822
Death of Margaret of Burgundy Strangled in Prison, Horace Vernet French, Lithograph; only state
Death of Margaret of Burgundy Strangled in Prison
Horace Vernet
1820

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