Andrea Appiani was famously known to be Napolean's official painter. As the story goes, in 1796 Appiani made a splendid portrait of Napolean which won his favour. He was an Italian Neoclassical painter and distinctively played with the Chiaroscuro techniques. Neoclassicism rose in opposition to the ornate Rococo style. It attempted to hark back to the strong and idealistic era of the ancient Greek and Roman art. Neoclassicism was thus inspired by the classic antiquity. While initially Neoclassicism took inspiration from Rococo, the rigorous distinction appeared before and during the French Revolution. Stoic virtue and heroism were celebrated. Thus the painting titled "Napolean I, King of Italy" introduced the traditional expressions of power, valour and conquest. The painter's meeting with Napolean and subsequently getting commissions increased his fame as he gained name within the high society.
Unlike traditional full length portraits, Appiani shows the French General's bust portrait. Napolean is wearing the 'petit habillement'. His robes are velvety green in colour with gold embellishments. While Napolean is looking at something beyond the picture, his expression is focused. His brows are furrowed and there is a tightness in his jaws. His gaze holds an undeterred intensity. His left hand is on top of the Italian crown.
The above painting presents one of the most resplendent portraits of the famous French emperor turned military corporal, Nepolean Bonaparte, painted by one of the finest Italian artists of the period, Andrea Appiani. The painting presents a undeterred, magnificent, calm portrait of Napolean exuding a quiet authority. The shading and flowing brushstrokes render an almost live recapturing of Nepoleon, or rather how Nepoleon would have liked himself to be seen. The intricate detailing of the decorations, the fine, smooth colouring of his royal, military attire, his cape and the beautiful crown jewels, create an iconic image which attracts the eye if the viewer, standing I contrast to the dark, fading background which centres the focus on the subject.
