Beautiful and meticulously detailed etching of Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte, appointed King of Naples and Spain by his brother Napoleon Emperor. Joseph is depicted standing, with short hair, full collar, and ermine robe, with his right hand on his hip, holding a scepter in his left hand next to the crown, with a view of the throne, columns and drapery behind, while below we find engraved his family crest. The engraving was made by the famous engraver Charles Simon Pradier (1783-1847) in 1813. Pradier derived his work from a painting by Francois-Pascal-Simon-Gerard (Rome 1770-Paris 1837) refined history painter and famous neoclassical illustrator who became Napoleon's favorite portrait painter, but even after the fall of the Emperor, he managed to maintain favor during the Revolution, the First Empire and the Restoration of the monarchy and was appointed Baron by Louis XVIII. The important frame has been realized with the technique of leaf gilding on a green background, while the particular and elaborate workings present on the rest of the frame are obtained with the ancient procedure called a pastiglia. Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte (January 7, 1768 - July 28, 1844) was a French statesman, lawyer, diplomat, and elder brother of Napoleon Bonaparte. During the Napoleonic Wars, the latter appointed him King of Naples (1806-1808), and then King of Spain (1808-1813). After the fall of Napoleon, Joseph proclaimed himself Count of Survilliers and emigrated to the United States, where he settled near Bordentown, New Jersey, in an estate overlooking the Delaware River, not far from Philadelphia. He died in Florence in 1844, but his remains are in Les Invalides in Paris, together with his brother Napoleon (see photo tomb). The most precious part, of great historical interest and value, is the writing attached to the frame; there is an autograph text by Joseph Napoleon in French that says: to Monsieur ???? (name not legible) to pay in aid of the wounded soldiers to the mayor of the 11th department 3000 francs. Paris 21 February 1814. Here is the explanation: Napoleon was engaged in the war against the Sixth Coalition of European countries who wanted to destroy the political order of Europe under French dominance and restore the monarchies. After the French defeat in this war and the invasion of the national territory by the Austro-Russian-Prussian troops, Joseph was appointed by his brother Napoleon as lieutenant of the Empire, with the task of defending the city of Paris from the enemy. The city was the scene of fierce battles, and Joseph, unable to control the events, on March 30, 1814, authorized the Marshals of France Marmont and Mortier to negotiate with the allies the capitulation of the city and left Paris bound for Blois, but before leaving the city, on February 21, 1814, he had the press with his effigy framed in a precious frame worth 3000 francs, with an enclosed handwritten note indicating that he was to deliver this sum to the mayor of the 11th department. But before leaving the city, he had Mr. Marmont and Mr. Mortier deliver to Mr. Blois a print with his effigy framed in a precious frame worth 3000 francs, with an enclosed handwritten note indicating that he was to deliver this sum to the mayor of the 11th district of Paris to be used for soldiers wounded in the fighting of the previous days. The signature Joseph on the card is authentic as it can be compared to a letter written by Joseph and signed by him; the latter autograph has been certified by the Association of Autographic Calligraphic Experts and guarantees 100% authenticity. A historical document that enhances, even more, the engraving and the frame! Another detail: the department n.11 is the most famous in Paris for the bloody events of the French Revolution of 1789 when the popular insurrection started in the Place de la Bastille.
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