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 BENOIST, J. L. after J. GOUBAUD
[Napoleon II]
1812. Stipple and engraving. Colour printed a la poupée, with additional hand colour and goldleaf highlights. Proof before title. Printed on wove paper. In excellent condition with the exception of being trimmed within the platemark. Glue residue around edges of sheet on verso of print, not visible from the front. Image size: 9 9/16 x 12 9/16 inches. Sheet size: 12 9/16 x 15 1/8 inches.
This is a superb colour printed portrait of Napoleon II, with elaborate gold leaf details and heavy hand colouring.
In addition to being a superb Napoleonic portrait, this outstanding print is one of the finest examples of French colour printing. Born in 1811, Napoleon II was the only son of Napoleon Bonaparte and Marie Louise of Austria. He was given the title the King of Rome, and later made the Prince of Parma. Following the collapse of the French Empire, Napoleon abdicated in favor of his son although he would never come to rule France. For his protection he was quickly spirited to Austria by Marie Louise, only to spend the majority of his life as a virtual prisoner in Vienna. Tragically he died of tuberculosis in 1832.
Executed a year after Napoleon II's birth, this stunning print is a wonderful example of the visual dissemination of Napoleon's imperial vision. The young Napoleon is surrounded by symbols, the coronation robes, the crown, and the necklace, that indicate his divine destiny to succeed his father as Emperor. The view of Rome in the background illustrates his title as King of Rome and the regal tone of the image recalls the iconography of Napoleon's coronation portraits
Le Blanc, Manuel de L'Amateur D'Estampes Vol I, p. 272, no. 24;
#12780 $900.00  
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