Carle Vernet also known as Antoine Charles Horace Vernet (born in 1758) was the father of Horace Vernet and the son of Claude Joseph Vernet. He was a French painter who was born in Bordeaux. Vernet started leaning art in the hands of his father. He was also taught by Nicolas-Bernard Lépicié. His work as a lithographer, hunting-pieces, landscapes, and races were very popular. In 1782 he won the grand prix, and after that his father recalled him back to France from Rome to prevent him from entering a monastery. In his piece titled “Triumph of Aemilius Paulus,” Vernet broke with the norms and drew the horse with the forms he had learnt from riding-schools and from nature in stables. During the Revolution Vernet’s sister was executed by the guillotine. After this, he decided to give up art.
He later began to produce art under the French Directory and his style had radically changed. He started drawing in great detail campaigns and battles to glorify Napoleon. His art of Italian campaign by Napoleon won much praise as did the Battle of Marengo, and for his piece titled “Morning of Austerlitz,” he was awarded the Legion of Honour by Napoleon. Later on he was awarded the Order of Saint Michael by Louis XVIII of France. Afterwards Vernet excelled in depictions of horses and in hunting scenes. Apart from being a lithographer and painter, he was an avid horseman. A few days before his death at the age of 78, he was seen racing as if he were still a young man.
