Napoleon at Saint-Cloud, Proclamation of Empire, Antique French Engraving, 1840
€ 290
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1840
Sheet size
29.4 × 42 cm (11.6 × 16.5 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13893-5
Condition
Good condition. General age-related toning and scattered foxing across the sheet, mainly in the margins. The engraved image remains clear and well-defined throughout. No folds or major structural defects observed.
About this sheet
This 19th-century French engraving depicts Napoleon Bonaparte receiving the Sénatus-consulte at Saint-Cloud, the formal act by which he was proclaimed Emperor of the French on 18 May 1804. The scene is set within an elegant ceremonial interior and brings together senators, officials, and members of the imperial court in a carefully staged and balanced composition.
Napoleon stands at the center of the image, flanked by figures of state whose gestures and posture underscore the gravity of the occasion. The architectural setting—tall windows, draped curtains, and classical interior elements—reinforces themes of authority, legitimacy, and political order. The composition is structured yet fluid, guiding the viewer’s eye across the assembly while keeping the central exchange as the focal point.
Produced circa 1840, this engraving belongs to the later wave of Napoleonic imagery, created during a period when the history of the Empire was being revisited and commemorated for a new generation. The scene is executed with fine, controlled linework and a restrained monochrome palette, giving the image clarity, depth, and a calm, dignified presence. Its moderate format and refined subject make it well suited for framing in libraries, offices, studies, or classic interior settings.
This is an original 19th-century engraving, not a later reproduction, offering both historical significance and decorative appeal.
Condition report: Good condition. General age-related toning and scattered foxing across the sheet, mainly in the margins. The engraved image remains clear and well-defined throughout. No folds or major structural defects observed.
Framing tips: A wide cream or soft grey mat will balance the composition and soften the aged paper tone. A dark wood, antique gilt, or matte black frame will complement the historical character while maintaining an elegant, understated presentation.
Technique: Engraving Maker: After Rouget, engraved by Rigot, France, circa 1840
