Paul Delaroche (1797-1856) was one of the most famous artists of his time. In 1824, he met with success when he exhibited his painting “Jeanne d’Arc malade” at the Salon. A disciple of Gros, he quickly became the leader in historical painting. He was inspired by an anecdote in David Hume’s “History of England” to paint the “Death of Elizabeth, Queen of England, in 1603”. Upon hearing of the death of her favourite, the Earl of Essex, Queen Elizabeth I collapsed to the floor. Exhibited at the Salon of 1828, the painting was bought by Charles X for the Louvre collections. It now hangs in the Salle Denon.