Mrs. Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte (1840-1911)

1892

Watercolor on ivory

Framed (diam.): 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)

Gift of the Estate of Peter Marié

1905.25

The Newport wedding of Caroline LeRoy Appleton, a granddaughter of Daniel Webster, and Jerome Napoleon Bonaparte, a grandnephew of Emperor Napoleon, was one of the "most talked-of events of the season" in 1871. The bride was described as "a lovely type of the American woman, a pretty, pleasing brunette, with a refined face and dignified carriage." Marié likely became acquainted with Madame Bonaparte in Newport and commissioned this miniature after an earlier photograph.

SignedSigned and dated lower right: "PAILLET / 1892"

Markingsinscribed on backing paper on rear of ivory: "Mme Gerome / Napoleon Bonaparte / nee Appleton / PAILLET / 6 Bd de Clichy / PARIS"

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