[Napoleon]

Book Description

[Paris: c. 1805]. Colour printed aquatint. Registration marks on top and bottom margins. Printed on wove paper. In excellent condition. Image size: 21 15/16 x 21 1/2 inches. 25 1/8 x 17 3/8 inches. 25 3/4 x 18 1/2 inches. A stunning colour printed aquatint, proof before titles, of Napoleon at the height of his power. A resolute campaign to disseminate the Imperial image throughout the new French Empire was part of Napoleon's effort to establish a popular new dynasty. Depictions his triumphs in battle, his coronation and he himself were distributed throughout Europe though generally to only mildly enthusiastic audiences. This quite handsome portrait as military commander best fits modern day views, great generals are always admired, whereas dictators are not, and he is shown here as simply the victor. It is a beautifully printed aquatint by Levachez of the soldier: confident and alert, ready to go, ready to lead. Benezit, Dictionnaire des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs et Graveurs

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