Gros

Gros, ANTOINE JEAN, BARON, a French historical painter, was born at Paris on 16th March 1771, studied in the school of David, and first acquired celebrity by his picture of 'Bonaparte on the Bridge of Arcolè.' His first great achievement, however, was 'Napoleon visiting the Plague-smitten at Jaffa' in 1804; and scarcely less successful were the 'Battle of Aboukir' (1806) and the 'Battle of Eylau' (1808). Gros also painted several other historical pictures illustrating the achievements of Napoleon; the 'Meeting of Charles V. and Francis I.' in 1812; in 1811–24 an immense work for the cupola of the church of Saint Geneviève; the 'Departure of Louis XVIII. for Ghent' (1815); and the 'Embarkation of the Duchess of Angoulême' (1815). In his later years he returned to the traditional classic style of painting, and in chagrin at his want of success is believed to have committed suicide. At all events, his body was drawn out of the Seine near Meudon, 27th June 1835. Gros's paintings are marked by powerful expression and dramatic movement, but are deficient in delicacy and sentiment. See his Life by Delestre (1867) and Tripier le Franc (1878).