Portrait of Napoleon I

By 1809, Napoleon had conquered most of Europe and had made himself Emperor of France. He is shown here at the height of his military career, wearing the uniform of the French National Guard with the Star and Badge of the Legion of Honour. After his conquest of Italy in 1805, Napoleon was crowned king with the ancient Iron Crown of Lombardy, represented by the middle badge. Berthon was a court painter for Napoléon Bonparte (1769 - 1821). Lever was fascinated by the French emperor and dedicated an entire room at the Lady Lever - known as the Napoleon Room - to the display of his collection of Napoleon-related material.