{"product_id":"napoleon-ii-duke-of-reichstadt-portrait-miniature-1860-1885","title":"Miniature Portrait Depicting Napoleon II, Duke of Reichstadt | Circa 1860–1885","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"989\" data-end=\"1021\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1022\" data-end=\"1219\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion: \u003c\/strong\u003eCentral Europe (likely Austria or Southern Germany)\u003cbr data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1084\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gouache on thin wafer under glass, in ebonized wood frame with brass bezel\u003cbr data-start=\"1168\" data-end=\"1171\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid–late 19th century, circa 1860–1885\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1238\" data-end=\"1598\"\u003eFinely painted miniature portrait of Napoleon II, Duke of Reichstadt (1811–1832), the only son of Napoleon I and Marie Louise of Austria. He is shown in Austrian white dress uniform with a red collar, pale blue sash, and decorations including a cross and star at the left breast — details based on earlier 19th-century official portraits of the Duke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1907\"\u003eThough executed circa 1860–1885, several decades after his death, this miniature reflects the enduring fascination with Napoleonic subjects and dynastic memory. The sitter’s youthful features and uniform are delicately rendered with stippling and highlights typical of Central European miniature painting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1909\" data-end=\"2090\"\u003eThe portrait is housed behind glass within a beaded brass oval bezel and mounted in its original ebonized “dish” wood frame. An old paper collection label survives on the reverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2092\" data-end=\"2105\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2108\" data-end=\"2169\"\u003e- Portrait of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2120\" data-end=\"2167\"\u003eNapoleon II, Duke of Reichstadt (1811–1832)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2172\" data-end=\"2238\"\u003e- Based on earlier court likenesses, painted mid–late 19th century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2241\" data-end=\"2298\"\u003e- Finely detailed military uniform with sash and insignia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2301\" data-end=\"2365\"\u003e- Original ebonized wood frame with brass bezel and hanging loop\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2368\" data-end=\"2398\"\u003e- Old collection label on back\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2426\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2427\" data-end=\"2719\"\u003ePortraits of Napoleon II remained popular long after his early death in 1832, symbolizing both Napoleonic legacy and Habsburg dynastic ties. Miniatures like this were treasured as mementos by collectors, patriots, and those fascinated by the turbulent history of Europe in the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2721\" data-end=\"2735\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2736\" data-end=\"2934\"\u003eMiniature remains clean and vivid with no cracks to the painting. Frame shows scattered scuffs and abrasions consistent with age. Reverse paper covering with losses at edges; label toned with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"2951\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2936\" data-end=\"2951\"\u003eHeight: 4.75 in\u003cbr data-start=\"2967\" data-end=\"2970\"\u003eWidth: 4 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"2993\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"2993\"\u003e140–165 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"2993\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2985\" data-end=\"2993\"\u003eFormerly held for more than 25 years in a private collection housed within a historic estate residence in Poughkeepsie, New York, USA.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn more about \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.napoleon-empire.org\/en\/personalities\/napoleon_II.php\" title=\"Napoleon II – Biography and Historical Overview\"\u003eNapoleon II, Duke of Reichstadt\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our curated \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/19th-century-1800-1899-artifacts\" title=\"19th Century Artifacts Collection (1800–1899) – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003e19th Century Artifacts Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51319913972034,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/Miniature-Portrait-of-a-Habsburg-Officer-Cent-2354.jpg?v=1791245957","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/napoleon-ii-duke-of-reichstadt-portrait-miniature-1860-1885","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}