Carrara workshops circa 1807-1810 Model by Antoine Denis Chaudet Hermes bust of Napoleon 1st White Carrara marble Titled 'NAPOLEON' on the front Height: 59 cm (23.22 in.) (Minor restorations to the laurel leaves) Bust of Napoleon, white marble, Carrara workshops ca. 1807-1810, model by A. D. Chaudet Related bibliography: Jean-René Gaborit (ed.), Sculpture française. II. Renaissance et Temps modernes, Paris, 1998, p. 141-142 Gérard Hubert, Guy Ledoux-Lebard, Napoléon, portraits contemporains bustes et statues, Paris, 1999, p. 79-84 Commentary: Related works: -Antoine-Denis Chaudet (after), Napoleon I as legislator, Carrara marble, h. 200 cm, Palais impérial de Compiègne, n°inv. RF2002 -After Antoine-Denis Chaudet, Buste de Napoléon 1er lauré, marble, Dim. 50 x 27 cm, Paris, Musée du Louvre, RF2402 ; -Atelier de Carrare, after Antoine Denis Chaudet, bust of Napoleon 1st laureate, in hermes, white marble, dim. 62,5 x 31,5 cm Rueil Malmaison, Château de Rueil-Malmaison et Bois-Préau, M.M.40.47.4365 Despite the numerous posing sessions granted to Antonio Canova, it was finally the bust of Antoine Chaudet, commissioned in 1804 and initially intended for the Corps Législatif, that was chosen by Napoleon as the official effigy of the First Consul and then of the Emperor, and destined to be widely distributed throughout the Empire. Numerous copies of this bust, with or without a laurel wreath, were made in plaster, bronze and marble. The marble version was commissioned by the Banca Elisiana, founded in Carrara in 1807 on the initiative of Elisa Bacchiocci, Grand Duchess of Tuscany and sister of the Emperor. The portraits, of impeccable quality, were presented to the most important dignitaries of the Empire. Our version bears witness to the marvellous talent of the craftsmen and the meticulous work involved in selecting the marble. The nobility of the material, the solemn proportions and the antique treatment of our bust make it a timeless work of art.