The King of Rome

Bust of the King of Rome

Philipp Jakob Treu - c. 1812

This is the only known sculpture of the son born to Napoléon and Marie-Louise in 1811, Napoléon François Joseph Charles, known as Napoléon II and the King of Rome. “King of Rome” is the traditional title for the heir to the Holy Roman Emperor.

Historical Provenance - Caroline Murat family collection

Bronze on marble base

Moulding of the King of Rome’s hand

Made by Dubois, Empress Marie-Louise’s doctor - c. 1814

This was made at about the time that Napoléon saw his son for the last time, at the end of January 1814.

Historical Provenance - Dubois family collection

Plaster

Study for “The King of Rome”

Baron François Gérard - 1812

After a difficult labor, Empress Marie-Louise gave birth to a son, the King of Rome, on March 20, 1811. Napoléon had told the attending doctors that if it became a choice between mother and baby, they should save his wife. He was a doting father who was inordinately proud of his heir. Because his son had French and Austrian blood, Napoléon believed he would reconcile the two countries. Napoléon received the painting for which this drawing was a study while in Russia on September 6, 1812, the day before the Battle of Moskowa. He was very pleased with the portrait and exhibited it in his tent for others to admire. While staying at the Kremlin, he placed the image in his bedroom.

Historical Provenance - Baron François Gérard family collection

Graphite on paper

“The King of Rome”

Innocent-Louis Goubaud - c. 1812

In this portrait, Napoléon’s baby son is surrounded by an ermine-trimmed cloak, a crown and other emblems of imperial authority. He confidently plays with a necklace of imperial eagles.

Engraving on vellum

“The King of Rome”

Jean-Baptiste Isabey - c. 1812

The portrait was presented to Madame de Montesquiou, the King of Rome’s housekeeper, by the Empress Marie-Louise.

Watercolor on paper in silver gilt frame

“Duke of Reichstadt”

Louis Léopold Boilly, after Daffinger - c. 1830

After Napoléon’s downfall, his son was taken back to the court of his grandfather, Francis II, in Vienna. There he was renamed Duke of Reichstadt and carefully tutored in Hapsburg history and culture. Although he hoped to someday have a realm of his own, he was to die of tuberculosis in July 1832 at the age of 21.

Historical Provenance - Monstesquiou collection

Indian ink on paper