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Artwork

Portrait of Napoleon III

Hippolyte Flandrin , 1861

Portrait of Napoleon III, by Hippolyte Flandrin, oil, 1861
Portrait of Napoleon III, by Hippolyte Flandrin, oil, 1861

Portrait of Napoleon III is an oil painting by the Realist artist Hippolyte Flandrin. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Palace of Versailles.

About this work

Overview

The Portrait of Napoleon III is an oil painting created by Hippolyte Flandrin in 1861, depicting Napoleon III in his Grand Cabinet at the Tuileries Palace.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows Napoleon III standing in his Général de Division uniform, surrounded by symbols of his imperial power, including a marble bust of Napoleon Bonaparte and a Napoleonic eagle. The composition is rich in detail, conveying the Emperor's authority and prestige.

Technique & Style

Flandrin's work is characterized by a realistic representation of the Emperor, capturing his distant and inscrutable expression. The painting's style reflects Flandrin's training under Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and his experience with religious art.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by Napoleon III in 1853, the painting was initially rejected in favor of Franz Xaver Winterhalter's more idealized portrait. Flandrin was reinstated in 1861 and completed the work, which was later exhibited at the Universal Exhibition in 1862 and is now held at the Musée de l'Histoire de France in Paris.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hippolyte Flandrin

Artist

Hippolyte Flandrin

Jean-Hippolyte Flandrin (23 March 1809 – 21 March 1864) was a French Neoclassical painter. His most celebrated work, Jeune Homme Nu Assis au Bord de la Mer (1836) is held in the Louvre.

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Palace of Versailles open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Palace of Versailles. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.