The demand for portraits of Napoleon was so great that it could only be satisfied by many artists painting them. This miniature by Augustin is characteristic of a type established by Jean-Baptiste Isabey, Napoleon's principal portrait painter in miniature, that was also produced in large numbers by other artists. Here the head has been painted with considerable skill, but the shapeless body (which may be the work of a pupil) has been rendered in a perfunctory manner. Napoleon is shown wearing the uniform of the Chasseurs à cheval. A lock of hair, presumably believed to be Napoleon's own, is set into the back of the miniature.
c. 1806-10
Watercolour on ivory
4.0 x 3.0cm
M8
Images and text © Wallace Collection, 2017
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The Wallace Collection
Permanent collection