According to Antoine-Denis Chaudet, this bust sculpted from a single piece of Carrara marble was adopted as the official portrait of the Emperor. Napoleon is represented there in a neo-classical style, as a legislator. Recalling at first glance the portraits of Roman emperors, Napoleon was sensitive to this sober and intelligent representation of his person. This bust is said to be “hermes” that is to say surmounting a quadrangular block in the form of the milestones set by the travelers of Ancient Greece to seek the protection of the eponymous god during their excursions. This portrait presents a Titus hairstyle, that is to say short and curly hair, very fashionable under the Directory and the Empire.
Antoine-Denis Chaudet, painter and sculptor, won the Prix de Rome in 1784. In 1804, he created the official portrait of the Emperor. This bust will be produced in several copies to adorn public buildings, ministries and government offices. It remains the most popular effigy of Napoleon.
Period second half of the 19th century, some chips.
