Studio of François Pascal Simon Gérard, called Baron Gérard

Mark Sheppard, New Orleans, Louisiana, early 1900s;
By whom given to The Tampa Bay Art Center, Tampa, Florida in 1938;
From whom acquired by a private collector, Florida, circa 1969.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting is in remarkable condition. The canvas has never been lined and although the painting has probably been cleaned, there are no paint losses except for a few small damages in the lower right in the Emperor's robe. There are a handful of small white flecks in the paint layer in the lower right which may actually be paint losses, but the condition of this painting generally is extremely good. Although the cracking is quite raised throughout the work, this is not unusual for French paintings from this period and the temptation to line this canvas should be resisted. In an elaborately carved and gilt wood frame with eagles at the upper and bottom center (the eagle at top is metal and is currently detached); some losses to the carving and nicks.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

This depiction of Napoleon in his coronation robes is based on the full-length composition by Gérard of 1805, formerly owned by Maurice de Talleyrand.  Numerous studio repetitions were made, some full length and others three-quarter length such as the present example.  Other versions include those at Versailles, Malmaison and Fontainbleau.