Who painted Portrait of Louis Napoleon, King of Holland?

Portrait of Louis Napoleon, King of Holland was painted by Charles Howard Hodges in 1809.

Where can I see Portrait of Louis Napoleon, King of Holland?

Portrait of Louis Napoleon, King of Holland is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Louis Napoleon, King of Holland?

Portrait of Louis Napoleon, King of Holland is associated with Biedermeier.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Louis Napoleon, King of Holland?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Louis Napoleon, King of Holland are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Louis Napoleon, King of Holland

Charles Howard Hodges , 1809

Portrait of Louis Napoleon, King of Holland is an unspecified painting by the Biedermeier artist Charles Howard Hodges. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The portrait depicts Louis Bonaparte, younger brother of Napoleon, in a formal red military coat set against a dark backdrop.

About this work

He actually tried to rule for the Dutch, not just for France, something his brother hated.

A man in a red coat sits stiffly against a dark background. Gold braid glints on his sleeves, and a star-shaped medal hangs from his chest.

This is Louis Napoleon, Napoleon’s younger brother, who was made king of Holland in 1806. He actually tried to rule for the Dutch, not just for France, something his brother hated. Within four years, Napoleon forced him out.

To see more portraits from this uneasy time, visit the Rijksmuseum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Louis Bonaparte, who served as the King of Holland after being installed on the throne by his brother, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Created in 1809, the work functions as a formal royal portrait documenting one of the five distinct political leaders of the Netherlands during the turbulent Napoleonic era. As part of a broader series by the artist covering the transition from the Dutch Republic to the Kingdom, the image represents the specific historical moment of French-imposed monarchy in the region. The subject is portrayed with the dignity appropriate to his status as a reigning monarch, reflecting the artist's specialization in capturing the likenesses of the period's most powerful figures.

Technique & Style

Charles Howard Hodges employed the mezzotint technique, learned in England, and the pastel method he studied under Johann Friedrich August Tischbein in Amsterdam. His portraits, including the 1809 depiction of Louis Napoleon, King of Holland, were executed on paper or canvas using these media, resulting in finely detailed, tonal renderings characteristic of late 18th‑century portraiture. The work reflects the formal conventions of Dutch elite portraiture, emphasizing precise facial modeling and restrained composition.

Context

Charles Howard Hodges occupies a unique position in Dutch art history as the primary English painter to document the nation's turbulent Napoleonic era. He is distinguished for having painted portraits of all five successive Dutch leaders, ranging from Stadtholder Willem V to King William I, with the 1809 portrait of Louis Napoleon serving as a key example of this comprehensive record. Art historians note that Hodges adapted his style under the influence of Johann Friedrich August Tischbein and William Hamilton, blending English mezzotint traditions with Dutch pastel and oil techniques. His prolific output of over 700 portraits established him as a leading chronicler of the period's political and social elite. Beyond his artistic contributions, Hodges played a significant administrative role in 1815 by advising the Dutch government on the restitution of artworks confiscated by French forces, further cementing his legacy within the cultural recovery of the Netherlands.