A leading Parisian sculptor of the period, Emile Guillemin began his career at the 1870 Salon of French Artists. He participated in various Exhibitions where he was awarded honors and medals. The quality of his chasing was highly acclaimed because of its realistic effects : accurate costuming, minute detailing and expressive faces. Most of his works, made in bronze and cast in different sizes were inspired by exotic subjets, such as biblical heroes, conquistadors and above all life-like Oriental figures.