Jean Leon Gerome (b. 1824 d.1904) was a French painter and sculptor. He was one of the most prominent late 19th century academic artists in France. In his early years he studied under Paul Delaroche. HIs first major success came after winning third place at the Paris Salon of 1847 with his painting The Cock Fight. Gerome went on to gain huge success in his historical and mythological compositions. He then spent the last 25 years of his life focusing on sculpture.