Napoléon I (1769–1821) 1810

This miniature portrait of Napoléon Bonaparte, painted by Jean-Baptiste Isabey in 1810, depicts the emperor in his military uniform. The small, oval format suggests that the piece was intended as a personal keepsake, possibly for a member of the emperor's inner circle. Isabey's attention to detail and the delicate brushwork of the miniature painting style highlight the intricate details of Bonaparte's clothing and the subtle features of his face. The work is a prime example of the miniature portrait genre, a popular form of portraiture in the 18th and 19th centuries.