Equestrian Portrait of Napoleon
n.d.
Medium
Pen and black ink and gray wash, framing lines in brown ink.
Dimensions
16 1/4 x 12 5/16in. (41.2 x 31.3cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Georgiana W. Sargent, in memory of John Osborne Sargent, 1924
Accession Number
24.63.610
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Equestrian Portrait of Napoleon*, a striking drawing by the artist Auvrest, rendered in pen and black ink with gray wash and subtle brown ink framing lines. Measuring 16¼ x 12⁵/₁₆ inches, this undated work captures Napoleon I astride his horse, embodying the grandeur typical of equestrian portraits that symbolized military prowess and imperial authority during the Napoleonic era (early 19th century). The fluid lines and tonal washes create a sense of movement and depth, highlighting the interplay between rider and mount—a classic motif in European portraiture. This technique of pe...