MINIATURE PORTRAIT OF NAPOLEON I IN CORONATION ROBES. VERNIER. FRANCE, 19TH CENTURY

A ceremonial miniature portrait of Emperor Napoleon I, depicted in full coronation robes beside the imperial throne. The composition follows the tradition of official Napoleonic iconography: the Emperor is shown wearing a laurel wreath and a red velvet mantle lined with ermine and embroidered with golden bees, together with the insignia of sovereign authority.

Particular attention is given to the meticulous rendering of the coronation regalia, the textures of the fabrics, the gold embroidery and the ornamental details of the throne. The polychrome painting is executed on a thin bone plaque. The delicate modelling of the face, subtle tonal transitions and finely detailed treatment of the ceremonial costume are characteristic of the French tradition of portrait miniature painting in the 19th century.

The miniature is set within an elaborately decorated rectangular gilt-bronze frame in the Neoclassical style. The frame is enriched with relief decoration of laurel branches, rosettes, palmettes and symmetrical ornamental motifs. The upper section is crowned by an expressive arrangement of laurel and oak branches.

The painted image bears the signature “Vernier” at the lower right.

Material: Bone, polychrome painting; gilt bronze.

Signature: Signed lower right: “Vernier”.

Dimensions: Frame 27.5 × 19 cm; miniature 19.5 × 13 cm.

Condition: Good. The bone plaque has a fine hairline crack consistent with the age and natural characteristics of the material, which does not affect the overall visual appreciation of the work.