Napoleon bonaparte first consul, – (Thomas Phillips) ◄ Sebelumnya Berikutnya ►

Artis: Thomas Phillips

topik: Royalty

tanggal: 1802

ukuran: 42 x 35 cm

museum: Musée Bonnat (Bayonne, France)

Directed in 1802, during the peace of Amiens, by the English artist Thomas Phillips, at the request of Lord Erskine (who had his entrances to Malmaison thanks to Josephine), the painting, unfinished, represents Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821 ), 33 years old, in Consul's red coat, black tie tied around the collar, the year the Senate proclaimed him First Consul for life, after the French had been consulted by plebiscite (the question was: "Napoleon Bonaparte Will he be consul for life? ", the result was 3,568,885" yes "against 8374" no "). Napoleon had exceptionally accepted, probably convinced by Josephine, to pose for Phillips, which was very rare and posed problem for the painters of that time! Far from official portraits, idealized and stereotyped, popular under the Consulate then the Empire, it is surprisingly realistic and gives the impression of being really caught on the spot; to see him, there is no doubt that the future Emperor really resembled that. Contrary to the usual image of the hero full of confidence and the calm Olympian, the pose is not sought but natural, the subject diverts the look which does not prevent the spectator to perceive the ambition and the energy behind that face a little pale, with sad or pensive eyes and slightly pursed lips.