Bronze, Gilt Patina on Veined Marble and Wood Base
In this highly evocative bronze sculpture by Vincenzo Vela, the deposed emperor Napoleon traces the ruins of his former empire across a map of Europe. Remarkable among most portraits of the exiled leader, this intriguing and highly detailed sculpture depicts Napoleon as a chair-bound invalid. Nonetheless, Vela perfectly captures Napoleon's still heroic bearing, which imparts in this composition a monumental quality and quiet dignity. Shown at the Paris Salon of 1867, this piece caused a great sensation, and elicited much debate as to whether it was too Realist or too Romantic.
9 1/2" | Read More...
In this highly evocative bronze sculpture by Vincenzo Vela, the deposed emperor Napoleon traces the ruins of his former empire across a map of Europe. Remarkable among most portraits of the exiled leader, this intriguing and highly detailed sculpture depicts Napoleon as a chair-bound invalid. Nonetheless, Vela perfectly captures Napoleon's still heroic bearing, which imparts in this composition a monumental quality and quiet dignity. Shown at the Paris Salon of 1867, this piece caused a great sensation, and elicited much debate as to whether it was too Realist or too Romantic.
