Napoléon I (1769–1821) on Horseback

Art Historical Context

This exquisite ivory miniature captures Napoleon I on horseback, created by the artist Luigi Marta in 1830—nearly a decade after the emperor’s death. Measuring 5 ¾ by 7 ½ inches, the work belongs to the tradition of European miniature portraits, which were for their portability and intimate scale. Rendered in ivory, a material favored for its smooth surface and luminous quality, the piece likely combines delicate carving or painting techniques to convey both the emperor’s commanding presence and the dynamic energy of his mount. Though Napoleon had passed away in exile on Saint Helena in 1821, equestrian portraits like this one continued to celebrate his military legacy and mythic status across Europe. Created during the July Monarchy in France, the miniature may reflect a lingering fascination with Napoleonic ideals of leadership and glory. Its placement in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection of European Paintings underscores how such small-scale works bridged the worlds of sculpture, painting, and personal keepsake. Ivory miniatures of this type were often commissioned as treasured souvenirs or diplomatic gifts, allowing owners to carry idealized images of great figures. Marta’s sensitive handling of the medium highlights the emperor’s resolute gaze and the flowing lines of horse and rider, transforming a historical icon into a jewel-like object of enduring fascination.

About the Artist

Luigi Marta · 1790–1858

Luigi Marta (1790–1858) was an Italian painter and dramatist active during the early nineteenth century, primarily associated with Naples and Milan. Born in Aversa, near Naples, he emerged as a Neapolitan artist known for his miniatures and illustrations, though details of his early life and formal training remain undocumented. Marta worked extensively in Naples before relocating to Milan, where h...