Drawing of Empress Josephine c.1812
Firmin Massot
← Back to Paintings & Drawings
Images are provided for personal viewing and research only. Reproduction or publication requires prior permission from the Curator.
Portrait Empress Josephine in Coronation Costume
Portrait of Empress Josephine in coronation costume
After the painting by Baron Francois Gerard (1808)
Description
Portrait of Empress Josephine in coronation costume. After the painting by Baron Francois Gerard (1808). Baron Gerard’s painting of Josephine was her official portrait and was commissioned in 1807 and first shown to the public in the salon of 1808.
History & Context
Portrait of Empress Josephine in coronation costume
After the painting by Baron Francois Gerard (1808)
Baron Gerard's painting of Josephine was her official portrait and was commissioned in 1807 and first shown to the public in the salon of 1808. Gerard painted her on her imperial throne wearing a tiara and necklace of emeralds and pearls, dressed in coronation mantle, with her crown resting on a stool to her left. This painting served to confirm the dignity of her imperial station and to reinforce her legitimacy as empress and queen. Unfortunately within 12 months of this painting being first shown Napoleon would divorce Josephine and marry the ‘womb’ of the Austrian Archduchess Marie-Louise.
Related Objects
