School of Jacques-Louis David Paris 1748 - 1825 Brussels

The painting derives from the original full length version of the composition painted by David in 1812, now in the National Gallery of Art, Washington (since 1954) (see C. Eisler, Paintings from the Samuel H. Kress Collection, Oxford, 1977, pp. 352-358, no. K2046, reproduced figs. 331-3).  A similar version, of poorer quality, was sold Scotland, Christie's, 13 May 1993. 

Napoleon wears the uniform of a Chasseur of the Imperial Guard with an Infantry General's epaulettes, a uniform he wore only on Sundays and special occasions.  Attached to his left breast are the Etoile de Commandant de la Légion d'Honneur Militaire (established by Napoleon in 1802) and the Décoration de Chevalier de la Couronne en Fer d'Italie (introduced by him in 1805 after his coronation as King of Italy in Milan).  The large silver star and the red ribbon across his chest are those of the Grand Aigle de la Grande Croix de la Légion d'Honneur. 

The canvas was commissioned by Alexander, Marquis of Douglas, later 10th Duke of Hamilton (1767-1852).  According to an anonymous source of 1824 David made four copies of the Washington work.  Napoleon, a great admirer of David, considered this his best likeness

There are numerous portraits of Napoleon by unidentified followers of David but this painting is of good quality and in nice condition.  We would expect the painting to do well in a specialist 19^th Century Paintings Sale.