11 - Joseph CHINARD (Lyon, 1756–1813)

Joseph CHINARD (Lyon, 1756–1813) Portrait of Empress Joséphine (1763–1814). Terracotta medallion. Circa 1805. Signed beneath the shoulder line: “Chinard de Lyon / de l’Inst.” Diameter: 20 cm. Provenance Private French collection History Joseph Chinard was born on February 12, 1756, in Lyon. A talented Neoclassical sculptor, he achieved recognition during the Consulate and later under the Empire. In 1797, he wrote a letter to Bonaparte, who had just distinguished himself in Italy. The general replied as follows: “I shall always be most pleased to find an opportunity to do something that is of use to you and to express to you the esteem due to men of talent who honor their homeland.” These words marked the beginning of a special relationship between the sculptor and the man who would soon become emperor. During Bonaparte’s stay in Lyon in 1801, following his victory at Marengo, Chinard created a bust portrait of the First Consul, as well as a medallion portrait, in which the profile is framed by a sword and a lictor’s fasces. He subsequently created numerous portraits of members of the imperial family, notably in the form of terracotta medallions, a technique in which he excelled. Our two medallions depicting the Empress and her son are part of this characteristic body of work by the artist. Similar examples are held in the most prestigious public collections, notably at the Louvre (ill. 1), the Château de Malmaison, and the Petit Palais. Related Works - Joseph Chinard, Empress Joséphine, Paris, Louvre Museum (on loan to Rueil-Malmaison, Malmaison and Bois-Préau Castles), inv. RF 2460 (ill. 1). - Joseph Chinard, Empress Joséphine, Rueil-Malmaison, Malmaison and Bois-Préau Castles, inv. M.M.70.5.2. - Joseph Chinard, Empress Josephine, Paris, Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, inv. PPM70.