(Bayeux 1755–1830 Paris) Full-Length Portrait of Emperor Napoleon I (1769–1821), signed, dated Robert Lefevre ft 1811, on the backside inscribed on old label „Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte, painted in 1811 by Robert Lefrève, through whom I the Marshal, who had possessed it, not wishing to retain it, under existing circumstances George Watson Taylor.“, oil on canvas, 56 x 45.5 cm, framed, (W)

Robert Lefèvre was self-taught before studying with Jean-Baptiste Regnault. As portrait and history painter, he was strongly influenced by the work of Jacques-Louis David and by Classicism. He was shown at the Paris Salon as early as 1791. Lefèvre was held in high esteem as a portrait painter. The artist portrayed important figures of his time including the Empress Joséphine, Antoine Charles Horace Vernet and even Napoleon, which served to further enhance his reputation. Compare literature: Armand Dayot, Napoleon in Bild und Wort, Berlin 1910-12, page 27; Lithograph of this painting, afterwards in the possesion of Prince Victor (Napoleon Victor Jerome Frederik Bonaparte, 1862-1926) Provenance: Amongst others George Watson Taylor, born 1771, english born sugarcane planter, Jamaica. Estate auction Alasdair James Wyllie, 5.4.2011, South Africa.