Artwork

Invalid handing a petition to Napoleon at the parade in the court of the Tuileries Palace

Invalid handing a petition to Napoleon at the parade in the court of the Tuileries Palace, by Horace Vernet, oil, 1838
Invalid handing a petition to Napoleon at the parade in the court of the Tuileries Palace, by Horace Vernet, oil, 1838

Invalid handing a petition to Napoleon at the parade in the court of the Tuileries Palace is an oil painting by the French Romanticist artist Horace Vernet. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1838 oil painting by Horace Vernet captures a solemn ceremonial scene set in the court of the Tuileries Palace around 1808, focusing on Napoleon's interaction with his Imperial Guard.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Napoleon inspecting a parade, approached by a wounded veteran presenting a petition, surrounded by notable officers including Eugène de Beauharnais and Joachim Murat, conveying the emperor's engagement with his military.

Technique & Style

Rendered in meticulous oil paint, the work emphasizes realism, evident in the detailed uniforms and architectural backdrop, reflecting Vernet's attention to historical and visual accuracy.

History & Provenance

Originally acquired by Nicholas I from the artist, the painting resides in the Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, with a copy held by the Wallace Collection in London.

Context

Notable elements include the visible 'Horses of Saint Mark' (looted from Venice, later returned in 1815) on the right, contextualizing the imperial reach and controversies of Napoleon's era.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Horace Vernet

Artist

Horace Vernet

Émile Jean-Horace Vernet (French pronunciation: ; 30 June 1789 – 17 January 1863), better known as Horace Vernet, was a French painter of battles, portraits, and Orientalist subjects.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.