Explanatory sketch of the painting “the death of Napoleon”

Artist(s) : JAZET Jean-Pierre-Marie, STEUBEN Charles (baron)
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Explanatory sketch of the painting “the death of Napoleon”

This sketch, realised by the artist himself and engraved by Jean-Pierre Jazet, is a key to the identities of some of the people presented in the painting by Steuben (1821), which depicting with as much realism as possible, the moment of Napoleon’s death on 5 May 1821. Indeed, the painter interviewed the companions of Napleon’s captivity on their return to France and had them pose for their portraits. Only the Abbé Vignali, captain Crokat and the doctor Arnott were painted from memory. The Grand Maréchal Bertrand made sketches of the plan of the room, noting the positions of the different pieces of furniture and people in the room. This sketch does not include all the people in the final work though some names are mentioned.

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For greater detail about the people depicted in Steuben’s finished painting, see our article: Who was present at Napoleon’s death?

Date :
1830-31
Technique :
lithograph
Place held :
Musée de l'Armée
Photo credit :
Photo (C) Paris - Musée de l'Armée, Dist. RMN-Grand Palais / Emilie Cambier
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