Name/Title
Miniature Portrait on Ivory of Napoleon BonaparteContext
This miniature portrait on ivory, representing “Napoleon Bonaparte in his study” in 1838, is after an oil painting of the French artist Paul Hippolyte Delaroche (1797-1856). The miniature is signed by an unknown miniaturist named “Breton”.
Delaroche completed a collection of Napoléon portraits from 1838 to his death in 1856. His work is considered to be the epitome of the July Monarchy’s artistic style. The French artist is one of the best known and widely reproduced artists in the world. Due to his fame and successful marketing of printed reproductions of his paintings, they were and are among some of the most widely seen portraits of Napoleon. It is very likely that the miniature of the Neill-Cochran House Museum is based on prints after the famous portrait.
Delaroche’s large-scale portraits of the emperor, miniatures and other Napoleonic art in general are connected to the legend and cult of Napoleon and the Bonapartist political party and movement. These objects revered the memory of the person of Napoleon and considered his historical accomplishments a source of glory for France and elevated Napoleon nearly to a state of religious canonization. The miniature portrait of the Neill-Cochran House was probably created in this context and owned by a devotee of Napoleon. The amulet has a metal hanger at the top and could be worn as jewelry or carried as a memento.Acquisition
Accession
2000.01Source or Donor
Robert E. and Millicent Louise McDonaldAcquisition Method
GiftMade/Created
Artist
Paul Hippolyte Delaroche, 1797-1856 (after)