French School

Willy C.J. Kock, Amsterdam
Mr. Watson Wise and Mrs. Emma Wise, Texas (acquired from the above in 1953)
Thence by descent

Oil on board laid down on panel. Nail heads are visible in each corner when the work is unframed. The board is slightly concave from left to right. There are minor scattered nicks, abrasions and losses at the extreme edges not visible in current framing. On the picture surface there is visible surface dirt and dust and dots of loss on and just to the left of Napoleon's forehead and a few scattered losses in his uniform. Under UV: the work is covered in a green fluorescing varnish. There are scattered dots of retouching visible in the upper half of the composition; loosely applied retouching on his collar; finely applied retouching to address craquelure in his cravat; and additional retouching within and to the left of the rosette on his uniform.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Throughout the nineteenth century, portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte were highly sought after, even long after the demise and exile of the infamous Emperor. Many portraits of Napoleon were copied from or inspired by iconic portraits by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres and Jacques- Louis David. The present work depicts Napoleon in profile wearing his uniform as colonel of the Foot Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard, his hair slightly disheveled. Both of these features could have been inspired by David’s widely known full length portrait of Napoleon, The Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries (1812, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.).