Profile of Napoleon

The drawing Profile of Napoleon, executed by Jacques-Louis David French, 1748-1825, dates from the period of 1805 to 1815, capturing the imposing likeness of the French Emperor. As Napoleon Bonaparte’s official First Painter, David was the undisputed master of the Neoclassical style and produced numerous preparatory works and large-scale canvases celebrating the imperial regime. This particular piece focuses intensely on the ruler's distinctive profile, providing an intimate, focused study likely intended for use in a larger, monumental portrait or historical commemoration of the First French Empire.

Classified as a drawing, the work’s medium consists of black chalk, supplemented by precise touches of black crayon, applied to off-white laid paper. This careful study is edge mounted on cream wove card, emphasizing the precision and permanence David sought even in his drafts. The drawing exemplifies the rigorous draftsmanship central to the Neoclassical culture of France during this decade. David’s technique employs stark, economical lines, characteristic of his style, which effectively convey the Emperor’s perceived authority and control.

This essential document of Napoleonic portraiture resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it offers viewers insight into the preparatory methods of the master draftsman. Studies like this one underscore David’s methodical approach to his official duties. Due to the importance of the artist and the time period, interest in high-quality prints related to David’s career remains high, with many preparatory works entering the realm of public domain access, ensuring the ongoing study and appreciation of his artistic process.