Artwork
A portrait of 'Prince Napoleon'
A portrait of 'Prince Napoleon' is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. A carte-de-visite photograph from 1870 depicts Prince Napoleon in a head-and-shoulders portrait, gazing to the right.
About this work
If you're interested in learning more about this style of photography, you might want to explore the Impressionism movement.
This is a photograph of a man with short hair, wearing a dark jacket and bow tie. He is looking straight at the camera.
The man's expression is serious, and the background is plain. The photograph is in black and white, with a subtle texture that suggests it was taken in the 19th century.
If you're interested in learning more about this style of photography, you might want to explore the Impressionism movement.
Overview
A carte-de-visite photograph from 1870 depicts Prince Napoleon in a head-and-shoulders portrait, gazing to the right. The image features a serious expression, a plain background, and the subject wearing a dark jacket and bow tie, captured in black and white with a subtle 19th-century texture.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Prince Napoleon (Napoleon Joseph Charles Paul Bonaparte, 1822-1891), third son of Jérôme Bonaparte, King of Westphalia. The photograph's composition and the prince's direct gaze convey a sense of solemnity and formality.
Technique & Style
The photograph exemplifies the carte-de-visite format, popular in the mid-19th century. Characteristic of this style is the small, mounted print, here showcasing a straightforward, unadorned approach to portraiture, emphasizing the subject's likeness over elaborate settings.
History & Provenance
Originally part of the Windsor Collection at Windsor Castle, the photograph was documented by Royal Librarian Owen Morshead. Its inclusion in this collection highlights the historical ties between the British monarchy and European royal families.
Artist & collection
Artist
London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company
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