Napoleon 

Here we see Albert Edelfelt’s watercolor of Napoleon. Painted during a time of rising nationalism, Edelfelt, a Finnish-Swedish artist, would have felt keenly the shifting political landscapes of 19th-century Europe. In this portrayal of Napoleon, there's a focus on the individual as a shaper of history. The artist captures Napoleon with a sense of quiet introspection. His gaze is distant, perhaps contemplative, which invites viewers to consider the weight of leadership and the burden of historical significance. The uniform, usually a symbol of power and authority, is rendered with a delicate touch, hinting at the vulnerability that lies beneath the surface of command. Edelfelt seems to explore the interplay between personal identity and historical narrative. What does it mean to carry the weight of history on one's shoulders, and how does one's personal story become interwoven with the grand narratives of nations? This watercolour provides a space for reflection on the human dimensions of historical figures.