Portrait de Joachim Murat

This portrait of Joachim Murat at the Museo Nazionale di San Martino in Naples records the French cavalry commander in his capacity as King of Naples, the city where the portrait now hangs. Murat’s brief but reforming Neapolitan reign left lasting administrative changes despite his ignominious end in 1815. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays polished Neoclassical finish inherited from David, with a more flattering and commercially appealing elegance that prioritized graceful presentation over moral severity.

Gérard renders Murat with the dash and elegance for which the marshal was famous. The portrait’s confident handling captures the bravura personality of Napoleon’s most flamboyant commander.