Alexis Soyer, 1840 (c)

Bronze bust by Louis Gardie, 1860 (c), after a drawing by Elizabeth Emma Soyer (the sitter's wife).

Alexis Soyer (1810-1858) was one of the most famous French cooks of the 19th century. During the Crimean War (1854-1856) he worked with Florence Nightingale to reorganise the diets of the British Army hospitals in Scutari, Constantinople and Balaklava. He was also responsible for improving conditions for the soldiers in the field by means of his revolutionary stove, which enabled them to cook their rations in any weather conditions.