Portrait de Napoléon Bonaparte en habit de Premier Consul, avec la ville d'Anvers en décor de fond

This unusual portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte as First Consul, with the city of Anvers in the background, dates from 1803 when Greuze was in his final years. The aged painter, once celebrated for domestic genre scenes, attempted to remain relevant by painting the new ruler of France, though Napoleon's preferred portraitists were younger artists like David, Gérard, and Gros. Characteristic of Greuze's approach, the work displays emotionally expressive figures, theatrical lighting, combining Rococo charm with didactic purpose.

The formal composition and official character of this state portrait mark a departure from Greuze's usual intimate style, with the Anvers cityscape providing a topographical backdrop unusual in his oeuvre.