Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, (French, 1820-1904)

A portrait of Napoleon with a laurel leaf crown

A portrait of Napoleon with a laurel leaf crown
signed and dated 'Mathilde/1839' (lower right)
ink wash
10.5 x 10.4cm

Mathilde Bonaparte was Napoleon's niece. Sadly, however, she would never meet her uncle; Napoleon passing away whilst exiled on St Helena shortly before Mathilde's first birthday. This work, executed when Mathilde was only nineteen years old, is a personal family piece and gives an indication of the regard which she held for her uncle.