Empress Eugenie (1826–1920) 1855

This enamel portrait by Marie-Pauline Laurent depicts Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, in an elegant and regal pose. Created in 1855, the piece showcases the artist's skill in capturing the sitter's likeness and the fine detail of her attire. The intricate details of Eugenie's lace dress and the delicate floral adornment in her hair are meticulously rendered, enhancing the sense of opulence surrounding the Empress. The artwork, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, provides a glimpse into the fashion and portraiture of the mid-19th century.