EMPERORS NAPOLEON I & ALEXANDER I: Paintings, historical memorabilia, engravings, books, autographs, medals, sabres, and pistols Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - 14:30
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ANDREA APPIANI (1754- 1817), ATTRIBUTED TO Portrait of Napoleon, King of Italy, in front of Milan Cathedral

Lot 164
Sold
oil on canvas 99 x 73.5 cm PROVENANCE: Osenat, L'Empire à Fontainebleau, 26.03.201, lot 183. Private collection Andrea Appiani, an important figure in Italian neoclassicism, met Bonaparte during the first Italian campaign in 1796. Multiplying effigies of the general, then of the First Consul and finally of the Emperor, the artist came to Paris between late 1804 and early 1805 to attend the Coronation of Napoleon as King of Italy on May 26, 1805. On June 7, he was appointed 'Premier Peintre du roi d'Italie' (First Painter to the King of Italy). In this quality, he was commissioned to paint the official portrait, which would spread the image of the new king in a traditional posture of assurance and authority, supported by the insignia of power. These are highlighted by the portrait's tightly framed mid-body: the crown of King of Italy, made by Bernard-Armand Marguerite, is on the table in the foreground. Napoleon's hand is both protective and titular. Looking to the right, he is dressed in the 'petit habillement' of the coronation ceremony, wearing the cord, collar and plaque of the Legion of Honor. He is wearing the laurel crown of Emperor of the French, created by Martin-Guillaume Biennais. In the background, appears the top of a monument that is thought to be Milan Cathedral, where Napoleon was proclaimed king before the changes that took place in the 19th century. Several versions of this emblematic image of Napoleon as King of Italy are known, including those in Vienna (canvas, 99 x 73 cm, Kunsthistorisches Museum), Aix island (canvas, 98.5 x 74.5 cm, Musée napoléonien de l'île d'Aix), and a smaller bust version in Milan (canvas, 57 x 44 cm, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana), whose less idealized face is extremely close to our painting. In some of these paintings, the background is formed by an arch supported by two caryatids in the form of renown figures, draped in antique style, whereas ours opens onto a cityscape. There are other variations between these different versions, some showing Napoleon decorated with the Order of the Iron Crown, which he created in June 1805, or bareheaded. Here, our painting shows Napoleon as King of Italy, but also Emperor of the French, giving a broader dimension to this image of imperial power. A rare representation.


Upon the buyer’s request, we are pleased to provide a general condition report for the Lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to conduct their own inspection or consult a specialist or restorer of their choice for a comprehensive professional assessment. Any condition descriptions provided in the catalogue or through any correspondence are for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for a firsthand evaluation.

NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’ IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.