Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte

Artist C. E. Wagstaff

Date1847

Classification(s)

Art / Prints

Object TypeEngraving

Registration NumberMMM 001648

DescriptionThis coloured engraving was published in London in 1847. The half-length portrait depicts Napoleon Bonaparte in his military uniform decorated with medals of honour, and his right-hand resting inside his unbuttoned yellow-coloured vest beneath his jacket and red sash. In his left hand he holds his hat, slightly covering the hilt of the sword. His weight is shifted on his left leg. Napoleon is found within an interior setting decorated with wood moulding. The print is framed within a brown decorative frame, with an itricately carved, slightly gilded border.

This print was produced by C.E. Wagstaff (1808-1850) after a portrait by Count D’Orsay (1801-1852). Wagstaff was a portrait and figure engraver. Two portrait engravings are found within the collection of the Royal Academy of Arts in London which are the Portrait of Professor Narrien, dated to 1843 and the Portrait of John Stock, J.P. (of Poplar), dated to c. 1814, both after Henry William Pickersgill RA (1782-1875). Alfred Grimond D’Orsay, better known as Count D’Orsay, a well-known dandy, was an amateur artist from France, and moved to London to work as a sculptor and painter especially in portraiture. Engravings of his portraits enjoyed great popularity.
InscriptionsUnderneath engraving, in black ink handwriting, left-hand side "Painted by Count D'Orsay", right-hand side "Engraved by C.E. Wagstaff". Underneath, in block letters "NAPOLEON."Technique

Coloured engraving

Dimensions68.5 x 58.5cm (framed)Published Referenceshttps://www.royalacademy.org.uk/art-artists/name/c-e-wagstaff
https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/count-d'orsay-and-napoleon-iii-newly-elected-fren-51-c-d11471ea3e

Alternate ID Numbers