We’ve all seen the classic pictures of Napoleon Bonaparte: riding across the Alps, sitting on his imperial throne, standing with a hand in his waistcoat. Here are some less well-known pictures of Napoleon that are downright weird.

The artist didn’t have a clue

As discussed in my post about what Napoleon really looked like, many Napoleonic artists did not have Napoleon as a model. The McGill University Napoleon Collection contains a rich assortment of prints that suffer from this handicap.

Off kilter

Though these artists came closer to approximating traditional portraits of Napoleon, there is still something odd about their depictions.

Perhaps it’s the baby blue eyes.

The hair, mouth and chin?

Lipstick?

Those eyes.

I was induced to give a Plate of Napoleon, which is copied from the French engraving, because, I consider myself as perfectly Master of his Lineaments, and I think it the most decided Likeness that has been given of him. (1)

Lost in idealization

Would you recognize Napoleon (hair on fire) if you didn’t know it was him?

Napoleon the wounded gymnast.

Admittedly, it’s Napoleon’s poor son who comes off worst in this effort.

Silly captions are welcome in the comments.

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