The French painter and officer Théodore Leblanc (1800? - 1837) stayed in Greece and the Levant for approximately three years, possibly from 1828 to 1831. Although he coincided in place and time with the French Scientific Expedition (1829-1830), his activity was independent to that of the mission. Leblanc drew from nature; his works are marked by caricaturesque elements but convey intense emotion. His paintings are extremely rare; apart from portraits they include scenes from the Greek War of Independence and snapshots from everyday life in the places he visited.

Written by Ioli Vingopoulou

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  “Vounisioi” (mountaineers), members of irregular troops of Mount Uludag (Olympus of Mysia), Bithynia.

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  Interior of footwear shop at the bazaar of Izmir.

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  Turkish man from Asia Minor.

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  The interior of a coffeshop, Izmir.

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  Turkish man smoking his hookah.

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  Turkish man from Yalova.

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  Ottoman soldier wearing the uniform established after the reforms of the early 19th century.

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  “Palikaria”, members of irregular troops of Roumeli, Greece.

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  A kapetanios from Sparta.

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  Prince from Georgia.

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  Women from the Peloponnese.

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  “Palikari”, member of irregular troops of the Peloponnese, with his clan.

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  Greek musicians and singers.

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  Man from Crete.

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  “Palikari”, member of irregular troops.

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  A street in Istanbul.

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  A captain (general) of the army of Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt, during the Cretan campaign.

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  Lyra players from Crete.

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  Greek dance.

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  A Sudanese eunuch of the Sultan's palace.

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  “Palikaria” and heads of irregular troops at the temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth.