This refined 1857 engraving presents a tender and idealized portrait of Napoléon II, known as the Prince Impérial, depicted in early childhood. Based on an original composition by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, one of the most celebrated court portraitists of the 19th century, the image exemplifies the elegance and emotional sensitivity that made his work so widely admired across Europe.
The young prince is shown seated on a cushion, dressed in a soft, ceremonial garment combining imperial red, white, and blue accents. His pose is both natural and composed, conveying innocence while subtly affirming dynastic importance. A discreet imperial decoration placed beside him serves as a symbolic reminder of lineage and destiny, gently balancing childhood intimacy with political representation.
Winterhalter’s influence is evident in the delicate modeling of the child’s face, the luminous skin tones, and the harmonious palette. The oval format reinforces the intimacy of the portrait, recalling miniature painting traditions while elevating the subject through meticulous finish and grace. Léon Noël’s lithographic interpretation faithfully preserves these qualities, translating painterly softness into finely nuanced printed form.
Published by Goupil et Cie, the leading international art publisher of the period, this engraving was intended for broad circulation among loyalists of the Second Empire. Such images played an essential role in shaping the public image of the imperial family, presenting the Prince Impérial as both heir and symbol of continuity for the Bonapartist dynasty.
Today, this original engraving is valued not only for its aesthetic refinement but also for its historical resonance. It stands as a poignant document of imperial France, capturing a moment of hope and idealism before the dramatic political changes that would soon follow. Highly sought after by collectors of royal portraiture, Second Empire imagery, and Winterhalter-related works, it remains a compelling intersection of art, power, and sentiment.
Engraving
Royalty - France
Lithographed by Léon Noël - Published by Goupil et Cie
Printed by Lemercier in Paris
Good condition, soiled
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