(French, 1758-1823). "Napoleon Bonaparte and the King of Rome," oil on canvas, inscribed (possibly signed), "P.P. Prud'hon" on verso, most likely in its original frame. Frame stamped "R. Charpentier" on verso. Canvas size: 25 3/8 x 20 in. Frame size: 34 x 28 in. Given by the Emperor Napoleon to his Secretary Descamps. Remained in the Descamps family until 1891 when it was sold to Bernard N. Baker of Baltimore; given to his daughter Mrs. Arthur Middleton Blake; given to Mrs. Marguerite Harrison; given to Nancy B. Harrison who is the present owner. Exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum of Art in 1925, old Brooklyn Museum of Art label affixed to verso; exhibited in the Baltimore Muesum of Art in the exhibition "French 19th Century Paintings Owned in Maryland." Lot comes with a signed letter of authentication dated 1891 by Henry Descamps with two other illegible signatures. Comes with signed Sotheby's consignment report with estimate by Christopher Apostle and signed letter desiring consignment of the painting by Betsy Matthai Gorman on Christies letterhead.

Craquelure throughout, not relined, some inpainting above figures and around chair, no inpainting detected in faces, paint loss in upper curtain section, loss to gilding, but corners and carving intact