Napoleon Entering Cairo c. 1900

"Napoleon Entering Cairo" (c. 1900) is a bronze sculpture by Jean-Léon Gérôme, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. This small-scale work depicts Napoleon Bonaparte on horseback, raising his hat in a triumphant gesture as he enters Cairo. The figure is positioned atop an elaborate plinth, adorned with Egyptian motifs and figures, reflecting the artist's fascination with ancient Egypt and its culture. Gérôme, known for his meticulous detail and historical accuracy, captured the spirit of this historical event in a captivating miniature. The sculpture offers a glimpse into the artist's style, which combined academic realism with a romanticized view of history.