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L’Empereur en Grand Costume

Pierre Alexandre Tardieu, Georges Malbeste, Jean Baptiste Michel Dupréel, Jean Baptiste Isabey, Charles Percier

L’Empereur en Grand Costume

1803-1814

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Pierre Alexandre Tardieu, Georges Malbeste, Jean Baptiste Michel Dupréel, Jean Baptiste Isabey, Charles Percier

L’Empereur en Grand Costume

1803-1814

Physical Qualities Etching, engraving, and stipple, Sheet: 544 x 357 mm. (21 7/16 x 14 1/16 in.) Image: 445 x 242 mm. (17 1/2 x 9 1/2 in.)
Credit Line Garrett Collection
Object Number 1984.81.1722
This print hail from a deluxe publication that commemorated the coronation of Emperor Napoleon and Empress Josephine on December 2, 1804, in the Church of Notre Dame in Paris. The book, which took eleven years to produce, involved the collaborative efforts of no less than 20 artists. The second half of the publication was devoted to illustrations, accompanied by detailed descriptions, of the ceremonial costumes designed by Jean Baptiste Isabey and worn by all of the important individuals in attendance. Most sumptuous were the Emperor’s and Empress’s robes, which were decorated with golden bees, Napoleon’s official symbol.

Publication References

Apell, Aloys, Handbuch für Kupferstichsammler, Leipzig: A. Danz, 1880, no. 19. Andresen, Andreas, Handbuch für Kupferstichsammler, Leipzig: T.O. Weigel, 1870-1873, no. 8.
T. Harrison Garrett, Baltimore, purchased 1885 (Lugt supp. 2435b); James L. Claghorn, Philadelphia (Lugt supp. 555c).
Le Blanc, Charles, Manuel de l'amateur d'estampes, Paris: E. Bouillon, 1854-1888, no. 20.

Signed: 1

Inscribed: Recto: in plate, at upper right: "IX"; in plate, at lower left: "Isabey Delint."; in plate, at lower right: "Alexandre Tardieu Sct."; in plate, at lower center: "L'EMPEREUR / en Grand Costume"; in plate, at bottom left: "Dessiné par Percier"; in plate, at bottom right: "Gravé par Malbeste et Dupréel"; at bottom right, in graphite: "3611 [in diamond]" Verso: none

Markings: Verso: Claghorn

Artist

Pierre Alexandre Tardieu

French, 1756-1844
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Artist

Georges Malbeste

French, 1754-1843
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Artist

Jean Baptiste Michel Dupréel

French, c. 1757-c. 1828
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Artist

Jean Baptiste Isabey

French, 1765-1855
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Artist

Charles Percier

French, 1764-1838
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