Théophile Poilpot was a student of Gustave Boulanger and Jean-Léon Gérôme at École des Beaux-Arts.

Poilpot saw service in the Franco-Prussian War as a Sergeant of the First Volunteer Regiment of the Seine and in 1874 was retired as an officer of the reserves.

Théophile Poilpot did not confine himself to French subjects, and his paintings are located in a number of countries.

Théophile Poilpot received many honors and decorations, including the Military Medal and the appointment as a Chevalier of the Order of St. Anna of Russia.

Paris, National Library of France Reichshoffen's Cuirassiers, historical record by Gustave Toudouze, illustrations by Th.