Attributed to Just-Pierret L'Hernault (French, 1832-1922), After Franz Xaver Winterhalter
Portrait of The Emperor Napoleon III
bears signature and artist address (on stretcher verso)
oil on canvas
135.2 x 100.6cm (53 1/4 x 39 5/8in).
Footnotes:
The present portrait is a copy of the original painting of Louis-Napoleon, president of the French Republic in 1848 and proclaimed Emperor of the French in 1852 with the name of Napoleon III. The official portrait of the Emperor in full regalia by Franz Xaver Winterhalter was first shown publicly with the companion portrait of empress Eugenie at the Paris Salon of 1855, held during the Universal Exhibition. Under the directorship of the comte de Nieuwerkerke, the art venue took place at the Palais des Beaux-Arts, avenue Montaigne. It is believed that the original painting was later destroyed in the 1871 fire of the Palais des Tuileries.

By 1855, Winterhalter had a well-established career among the French, Belgian, and English courts. His frequent visits to England had allowed him to paint numerous portraits of Victoria and Albert and their children. In France, Winterhalter saw members of the most mundane aristocracy sit for their portrait. In Paris, he also worked for the visiting nobility of the Russian and Polish courts. The German artist's sure ability to portray his famous sitters in the elegant dress and grand decor relating to their social rank ensured him a continuous flow of private commissions.
In the present portrait of Napoleon III, the artist carefully displays the instruments of rule, reminding one of the legitimacy with which Napoleon III holds his imperial powers. Winterhalter's portrait of Napoleon III became the official image of the French ruler; as such, many copies were made to decorate the residences, embassies and offices of the Empire. They also served as official gifts, as the present painting appears to be.

There is a version of the original by Winterhalter in the Museo Napoleónico, Rome.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * TP
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