Jean Alaux (1786–1864), famously known as "Le Romain" (the Roman), was a preeminent French history painter whose monumental works defined the visual narrative of the 19th-century Academy. Born into a family of artists in Bordeaux, Alaux received formal training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Pierre-Narcisse Guérin and Pierre Lacour. His career was marked by significant royal patronage; he was a favorite of King Louis-Philippe, who commissioned him to create vast historical canvases for the Galerie des Batailles at Versailles. Alaux’s style is a hallmark of Neoclassicism, characterized by heroic compositions, architectural precision, and a refined use of dramatic light. His most famous works include the "Baptism of Clovis," "The Battle of Denain," and the intimate "The Atelier of Ingres in Rome". Translating a Jean Alaux masterpiece into a counted cross stitch design allows you to engage with the grandeur of French heritage. Each stitch meticulously captures the rich textures of velvet regalia, the gleam of historic armor, and the atmospheric depth of 19th-century Roman studios. Stitching an Alaux piece is an exercise in elegance and patience, transforming a historical epic into a timeless heirloom for your home.