Artwork
Portrait of Emperor Napoleon I
Portrait of Emperor Napoleon I is an oil painting. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The oil painting depicts a solitary figure standing in an opulent interior.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As a genre portrait, the image focuses entirely on the figure of Napoleon, serving as a visual representation of his authority and position as Emperor.
The work depicts Napoleon I, the French Emperor, as its sole and main subject. Created in 1810, the painting presents the ruler in a formal portrait format, emphasizing his imperial status. As a genre portrait, the image focuses entirely on the figure of Napoleon, serving as a visual representation of his authority and position as Emperor. The depiction aligns with the broader iconographic tradition of portraying Napoleon I during his reign.
Technique & Style
Created in 1810, this portrait is executed in oil paint on a canvas support. The work is attributed to the workshop of François Pascal Simon Gérard and depicts Napoleon I. Measuring 226.5 cm in height and 146 cm in width, the painting was produced in Paris. As a formal portrait, it adheres to the genre conventions of the period while capturing the imperial subject.
History & Provenance
The Portrait of Emperor Napoleon I was executed around 1810 in Paris by the workshop of François Pascal Simon (Baron) Gérard, as indicated by its inception date and place of creation. The painting entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings and is also recorded in the collection of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, where it remains on display. While the specific commission or earlier owners are not detailed in the available sources, the work’s dating and Parisian origin establish its creation history within the Gérard workshop’s output during the Napoleonic era.
Overview
The oil painting depicts a solitary figure standing in an opulent interior. He is robed in a voluminous white garment edged with gold, a fur collar framing his shoulders, and a crown perched upon his head. A golden scepter is held in his right hand, while an empty throne with red cushions and a crown rests behind him. Dark blue walls and a gilded chair complete the setting.
Artist & collection
