Portrait of Napoléon Bonaparte (1769-1821), half-length

The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

The canvas is unlined. The varnish is clear and the paint is stable. A six inch tear is visible on his proper left shoulder, and a four inch vertical tear is visible in the background of the same shoulder. The canvas has been reinforced in the places on the reverse with what it appears to be tape or a glue-like substance, possibly corresponding to earlier tears, which are visible in the background above his proper right shoulder and over his proper left breast. A line of strengthening is visible running along the outer edge about two inches from the edge, corresponding to the stretcher. A one inch area appears cloudy at upper center (visible in catalogue illustration). Under ultraviolent light, strengthening is visible at upper center, in scattered places over his crown, on his forehead, right cheek, beneath his nose, and at the center of his chin. Additional strengthening is seen above the knot at the top of his proper left shoulder, and in scattered places on his torso and in the background, at times corresponding to the repaired tears (over his proper left breast, to the left of his proper right shoulder, above his proper left shoulder and over a one inch and three inch horizontal line above his proper right shoulder). The paintings appearance could be improved by repairing the tears. The painting is offered in a craved and giltwood frame.