Recognised as one of Napoleon's most favoured artists, Andrea Appiani was a neoclassical Italian painter born in Milan. Active during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Appiani had trained at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts since he was fifteen years old. He painted both portraits and frescoes on commission and as the Emperor’s court painter. Known for composing graceful and harmonious compositions, Appiani was one of the leading artists of his time.