Charles Théodore Frère dit Frère Bey: A Life in Orientalist Painting Early Life and Education Born: June 21, 1814, Paris, France. Charles-Théodore Frère came from a family immersed in the arts; his father was a Parisian music publisher. This environment fostered an early appreciation for creativity and culture. He pursued formal artistic training at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts, where he studied under the guidance of Jules Coignet and Camille Roqueplan. This foundational education provided him with the technical skills and academic grounding necessary for his future career a…