Luc-olivier Merson (1846-1920) Study For The “sacrifice To The Fatherland”, Painting From The Salon Of 1875

Luc-Olivier Merson (1846-1920), born in Paris and Grand Prix de Rome in 1869, he received many official commissions and could be considered an academic painter. He is, in fact, an extremely original artist who did not hesitate to deal with surprising subjects.
Merson is confused by some of his rare and original iconographic choices, as the beautiful exhibition, The Strange Monsieur Merson, which was dedicated to him at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Rennes in 2008-2009 had shown.
An excellent designer, this artist also has a career as an illustrator. Several paintings and many drawings by him are kept at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

Drapery study for "The sacrifice to the Fatherland", Salon of 1875 (disappeared painting, known by the engraving, see attached photo)
Two other drapery studies for this same painting, sold together, are visible on the site.