Jean-Baptiste Isabey

Patronized by Josephine and Napoleon Bonaparte, he arranged the ceremonies of their coronation and prepared drawings for the publication intended as its official commemoration.

Although Isabey did homage to Napoleon on his return from Elba, he continued to enjoy the favour of the Restoration, and took part in arrangements for the coronation of Charles X.

[1] The July Monarchy conferred on him an important post in connection with the royal collections, and Napoleon III granted him a pension, and the cross of commander of the Legion of Honor.

His portrait, Napoleon at Malmaison, is considered his best, and his tiny head of the king of Rome, painted for a breast-pin, is distinguished by decision and breadth.

Charles Lenormant's article, written for Joseph-François Michaud's Biographie Universelle, was based on facts furnished by Isabey's family.

Isabey and his daughter depicted in a 1795 portrait by François Gérard
A miniature of Christine Boyer by Isabey in the beginning of the 19th century