Empress Josephine in coronation costume

After the painting by Baron Francois Gerard (1808)

Painter: Unknown.

Oil on canvas

122 x 90cm

Baron Gerard's painting of Josephine was her official portrait and was commissioned in 1807 and first shown to the public in the salon of 1808. Gerard painted her on her imperial throne wearing a tiara and necklace of emeralds and pearls, dressed in coronation mantle, with her crown resting on a stool to her left. This painting served to confirm the dignity of her imperial station and to reinforce her legitimacy as empress and queen. Unfortunately within 12 months of this painting being first shown Napoleon would divorce Josephine and marry the ‘womb’ of the Austrian Archduchess Marie-Louise.