[PRINCE IMPÉRIAL] BASSANO, Alexander (1829-1913)

[PRINCE IMPÉRIAL] BASSANO, Alexander (1829-1913)

Period albumen print by Alexander Bassano
[London], 28th July 1877, cabinet format (10,2 x 14,4 cm)
Mounted on thick cardboard (10,8 x 16,5 cm)
Photographer’s credit on verso: [Alexander Bassano / 72 Piccadilly – London – W]
Very slightly faded contrasts, otherwise fine condition

Superb full-length portrait of the Prince Imperial, autographed on each side of the cardboard

In a very elegant posture, like a dandy, the Prince Imperial stands leaning on a sideboard, looking towards the horizon while holding a top hat with his fingertips. Of the important iconography that constitutes that of the Crown Prince, this portrait, which is otherwise very unusual, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful that we know of him.

The print is signed by his hand on the front of the mount: “Napoleon / 28 July 1877”
Then on the back, he adds: “Mr. R. Lavaurs, affectionate memories. Napoleon”

Count Raymond Lavaurs (1846-1927), company director, founder of the Peñarroya Company which exploited the lead mines in Morocco, was the brother-in-law of Adrien Bizot, one of the three close friends of the Prince Imperial, along with Louis Conneau and Jules Espinasse.