Napoléon III
1859
Edmond Morin captured the flamboyant essence of Napoleon III in this striking 1859 portrait, framing the French emperor in an elaborate, almost theatrical border of cherubs and imperial eagles. Notice the magnificent handlebar mustache and the heavy military epaulettes—Napoleon III loved projecting an image of martial strength, even if his actual military record was a bit mixed. This kind of grand, decorative illustration was perfect for the popular press of the Second Empire, turning the ruler into a larger-than-life celebrity for the masses to admire.
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