Updated October 2026 · ranked by our popularity score (searches, visits and orders for each work) · 34 works by Léopold Robert in our catalogue
In short
The Pilgrimage to the Madonna of the Arch (1827) is the Léopold Robert painting that draws the most eyes; the original belongs to the The Louvre, Paris. After it, the eye goes to The sleeping robber (b) (1821) and A shepherd and his sleeping daughter (1820). Among the 34 works of Léopold Robert in our catalog, these 34 are the most famous, each a unique original presented with its year, its museum and the reason it endures.
In the grand tapestry of the Romantic era, few works capture the visceral pulse of human faith as vibrantly as Louis Léopold Robert’s 1827 masterpiece, The Pilgrimage to the Madonna of the Arch. This monumental oil painting is not merely a depiction of a religious event; it is an immersive window into the soul of Venetian tradition. As the viewer’s eye meets the canvas, they are immediately swept into a…
The sleeping robber (b) is an oil on canvas work by the Swiss painter Léopold Robert. Created in 1821, this piece offers a quiet moment of repose within a rugged landscape. It is sometimes referred to by the alternative title, Brigand's Wife Watching over Her Sleeping Husband.
Young girl from Sonnino removing a thorn from the side of one of her companions1828 · Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Genève
12
PAYSANNE DE LA CAMPAGNE DE ROMEThe Louvre
13
Italian Peasant GirlFine Arts Museums of San Francisco
14
View of Naples with Vesuvius1825 · Fondation Custodia
15
A Peasant Girl of Procida
16
La mère heureuse
17
L'ermite de Saint Nicolas à Ischia, recevant des fruits d'une jeune fille
18
L'ARRIVEE DES MOISSONNEURS DANS LES MARAIS PONTINSThe Louvre
19
Deux baigneuses, costume de Saint Donatien
20
LE LENDEMAIN DU TREMBLEMENT DE TERRECondé Museum
21
La mère malheureuse
22
LA CONFIDENCECondé Museum
23
Young Monk Waking a Roman Peasant Girl
24
LE RETOUR DE LA FETE DE LA MADONE DE L'ARC, PRES DE NAPLESThe Louvre
25
The Brigand On The WatchWallace Collection
26
The Death Of The BrigandWallace Collection
27
Vanity expositionMusée d'Arts de Nantes
28
The Brigand AsleepWallace Collection
29
Portrait of his brother, painter Léopold Robert, in his studio
30
Iew of the park of château de neuilly
31
Portrait of a young woman of RetunaBuilding of the Winterthur Museum of Art
32
Les Petits pêcheurs de grenouilles dans les Marais Pontins
33
The SuicideWalters Art Museum
34
Brigand and His Wife in Prayer1824 · Metropolitan Museum of Art
The four subjects that come back most often in these originals, each with its finest example.
The 8 museums that hold the most of the paintings on this page.
| Museum | City | Works by Léopold Robert | Paintings from this list |
|---|---|---|---|
 The Louvre |
Paris | 4 | The Pilgrimage to the Madonna of the Arch, PAYSANNE DE LA CAMPAGNE DE ROME, L'ARRIVEE DES MOISSONNEURS DANS LES MARAIS PONTINS |
 Wallace Collection |
London | 3 | The Brigand On The Watch, The Death Of The Brigand, The Brigand Asleep |
 Musee d'art et d'histoire |
Neuchâtel | 2 | Portrait of Madelaine Jacot-Guillarmod, Young girl from Sorrento |
 Condé Museum |
Chantilly | 2 | LE LENDEMAIN DU TREMBLEMENT DE TERRE, LA CONFIDENCE |
 Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden |
Dresden | 1 | The sleeping robber (b) |
 Musée cantonal des Beaux-Arts |
Losanna | 1 | Brigant in the Roman Campagna |
 Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille |
Lille | 1 | Young Italian woman sitting on the rocks in Capri |
 Bavarian State Painting Collections |
Munich | 1 | Procida woman with her child |
Léopold Robert's dated originals shown here fit into about ten years, 1818 to 1828: the eye follows them year by year.
Pick a year to see its originals.
The sleeping robber (b) is an oil on canvas work by the Swiss painter Léopold Robert. Created in 1821, this piece offers a quiet moment of repose within a rugged landscape. It is sometimes referred to by the alternative title, Brigand's Wife Watching over Her Sleeping Husband.
More from 1821
In the grand tapestry of the Romantic era, few works capture the visceral pulse of human faith as vibrantly as Louis Léopold Robert’s 1827 masterpiece, The Pilgrimage to the Madonna of the Arch. This monumental oil painting is not merely a depiction of a religious event; it is an immersive window into the soul of Venetian tradition. As the viewer’s eye meets the canvas, they are immediately swept into a…
More from 1827
The Pilgrimage to the Madonna of the Arch (1827), The Louvre, Paris. The sleeping robber (b) (1821) and A shepherd and his sleeping daughter (1820) come next.
33 years old: The Pilgrimage to the Madonna of the Arch dates from 1827, and Léopold Robert was born in 1794.
The Pilgrimage to the Madonna of the Arch, The sleeping robber (b), A shepherd and his sleeping daughter, Portrait of Madelaine Jacot-Guillarmod, Young woman from Sonnino, Brigant in the Roman Campagna, Young Italian woman sitting on the rocks in Capri, Procida woman with her child, Young girl from Sorrento and Dies palmarum, two Neapolitan girls returning from the festival. The ranking above gives each one's year and museum.
Our catalog holds 34 works by Léopold Robert, dated from 1818 to 1828.
Mostly in The Louvre (Paris), Wallace Collection (London) and Musee d'art et d'histoire (Neuchâtel). The museum table above lists them all.
In 1820: 2 of the 34 works on this page were made then, A shepherd and his sleeping daughter among them.
On this page, the earliest is Portrait of Madelaine Jacot-Guillarmod (1818) and the latest Young girl from Sonnino removing a thorn from the side of one of her companions (1828).
Religious procession (2), Italian landscape (2) and Woman (2), across the 34 works on this page.
Oil On Canvas, for 4 of the 34 works on this page.
Romanticism, judging by the originals on this page.
The Pilgrimage to the Madonna of the Arch, PAYSANNE DE LA CAMPAGNE DE ROME and L'ARRIVEE DES MOISSONNEURS DANS LES MARAIS PONTINS: the The Louvre, Paris holds 4 of the works on this page.
Born in London in 1794, Charles Robert Leslie’s life and career were shaped by a unique confluence of transatlantic heritage and an unwavering dedication to the art of portraiture. Though his parents hailed from America – his father a painter and wallpaper designer – Leslie spent most of his formative years immersed in the vibrant artistic landscape of England. This dual influence profoundly impacted his work, imbuing it with both a distinctly British sensibility and a subtle awareness of American artistic traditions. Initially hampered by financial constraints that prevented him from pursuing formal training, Leslie’s talent was recognized early on through the patronage of influential figures like Benjamin West, a leading figure at the Royal Academy, who facilitated his entry into the prestigious art world.
Leslie's early career focused primarily on history painting, a genre heavily influenced by the grand style of artists such as Washington Allston and Benjamin West themselves. His initial works, exemplified by *The Murder of Rutland by Lord Clifford*, demonstrate a clear emulation of these masters, showcasing meticulous detail and dramatic compositions. However, recognizing a shift in artistic tastes, Leslie skillfully transitioned to a more accessible and engaging genre: the depiction of literary themes. This marked a pivotal moment in his career, establishing him as a distinctive figure known for translating beloved works of literature into captivating visual narratives. He wasn’t simply painting scenes; he was breathing life into characters and stories that resonated deeply with the public.
Leslie's embrace of literary subjects distinguished him from many of his contemporaries, who largely adhered to the conventions of historical painting. His ability to capture the essence of a story – its mood, atmosphere, and characters – within a single canvas was remarkably astute. He frequently drew upon familiar tales, such as Shakespeare’s *Richard III* or Sir Walter Scott's novels, transforming them into visually arresting portraits. This approach proved immensely popular with audiences, who appreciated his skillful blend of artistic technique and narrative storytelling. His paintings weren’t merely decorative; they were invitations to engage with the world of literature itself.
A significant turning point in Leslie’s career came with his biography of John Constable, a work that cemented his reputation as a discerning artist and insightful observer of human nature. *Memoirs of the Life of John Constable* (1843) is widely considered a seminal text in artistic biography, lauded for its meticulous research, intimate portraits of Constable's personality, and astute analysis of his artistic process. This achievement demonstrated Leslie’s ability to not only paint but also to understand and articulate the creative spirit of another artist – a rare and highly valued skill.
Despite achieving considerable success in England, Leslie experienced a period of personal turmoil when his brother secured a teaching position at West Point, prompting a brief and ultimately unsuccessful return to America. This episode underscored the complexities of his dual heritage and highlighted the challenges he faced navigating between two distinct cultural worlds. Returning permanently to England, Leslie continued to teach painting, shaping generations of artists, and remained dedicated to his craft until his death in 1859.
Leslie’s legacy extends beyond his individual paintings. He played a crucial role in the development of artistic biography, setting a standard for future writers seeking to illuminate the lives and works of their artistic heroes. His work continues to be studied and admired for its skillful blend of historical accuracy, literary insight, and artistic beauty. Charles Robert Leslie’s contribution to both painting and biographical writing remains significant, solidifying his place as a pivotal figure in 19th-century British art.
Beyond his own artistic output, Charles Robert Leslie’s most enduring contribution may lie in his role as a teacher. He established a renowned painting workshop that nurtured the talents of numerous aspiring artists, including Catherine Caroline Thévenin, who later became his wife and herself a respected painter. His influence extended far beyond his immediate students, shaping the course of British art through the transmission of knowledge and artistic principles.
