LE BLANC, Theodore

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

Ottoman soldier wearing the uniform established after the reforms of the early 19th century.
A kapetanios from Sparta.
“Vounisioi” (mountaineers), members of irregular troops of Mount Uludag (Olympus of Mysia), Bithynia.
Interior of footwear shop at the bazaar of Izmir.
Turkish man from Asia Minor.
Prince from Georgia.
The interior of a coffeshop, Izmir.
Women from the Peloponnese.
“Palikari”, member of irregular troops of the Peloponnese, with his clan.
Greek musicians and singers.
Man from Crete.
“Palikari”, member of irregular troops.
A street in Istanbul.
A captain (general) of the army of Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt, during the Cretan campaign.
Lyra players from Crete.
Greek dance.
Turkish man smoking his hookah.
A Sudanese eunuch of the Sultan's palace.
“Palikaria” and heads of irregular troops at the temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth.
Turkish man from Yalova.

TRAVELOGUES

TRAVELLERS' VIEWS

Places – Monuments – People

Southeastern Europe – Eastern Mediterranean

Greece – Asia Minor – Southern Italy

15^th - 20^th century