Louis Napoléon Bonaparte président de la république française 1851

This nineteenth-century engraving after Horace Vernet presents a monumental equestrian portrait of Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte at a decisive moment in French history. Created in 1851, the year of his coup d’état and on the eve of his proclamation as Emperor Napoleon III, the image functions not only as a portrait but as a carefully constructed statement of power, legitimacy, and destiny.

Louis-Napoléon is shown mounted on a dark horse, advancing at a controlled yet forceful pace. He wears military uniform and decorations, visually aligning himself with the martial tradition of his uncle, Napoleon I. The surrounding officers, the disciplined troops in the distance, and the dramatic landscape together form a stage on which authority and command are unmistakably asserted. Vernet, renowned for his military imagery, transforms the political figure into a heroic commander, embodying both modern leadership and imperial memory.

The composition is built around motion and authority. The diagonal thrust of the horse, the dust rising from the ground, and the sweeping lines of the background guide the viewer’s eye directly to the central figure. Vernet’s precise rendering of uniforms, harnesses, and expressions reflects his documentary approach, while the theatrical lighting and controlled drama elevate the scene beyond simple reportage.

Beyond its artistic qualities, the engraving is a powerful example of nineteenth-century political imagery. It illustrates how visual culture was used to shape public perception, presenting Louis-Napoléon not merely as a president, but as a man of action and a natural heir to the Napoleonic legacy.

Today, this engraving stands as both a historical document and a refined work of academic Romanticism. It captures the intersection of art, propaganda, and history, revealing how Horace Vernet’s mastery of military portraiture helped define the visual identity of power in mid-nineteenth-century France.

Engraving

Political - Military - France

Engraved by Jazet - London New York published by Goupil & Co

Printed by Goupil & Cie

Good condition, soiled