Portrait Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul
c. 1808
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Diam.: 4 cm (1 9/16 in.)
Classification
medal
Department
Painting and Sculpture of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
143538
Art Historical Context
This bronze medal by French medallist Bertrand Andrieu captures Napoleon Bonaparte in his role as First Consul, the position he held from 1799 until his proclamation as Emperor in 1804. Created around 1808, the small circular work—only four centimeters across—presents a classical bust-length portrait that emphasizes Napoleon’s authority and connection to ancient Roman traditions of leadership. Andrieu, known for his precise work in struck and cast medals, helped shape Napoleon’s public image through such portable artworks. Medals like this one served an important propagandistic purpose in ear...
About the Artist
Bertrand Andrieu · 1761–1822
French, Bordeaux 1761–1822 Paris