Charles Maurice de Talleyrand Périgord (1754–1838), Prince de Bénévent

Talleyrand commissioned this elegant informal image after he resigned from his position as minister of foreign affairs to protest Napoleon’s continuing military ambitions. Gérard knew and received him personally in his studio: the imposing presence and unrevealing expression are typical. The insignia of the Legion d’honneur is embroidered on Talleyrand's coat and across his waistcoat is the red sash of the Grand Cordon of the order, awarded in 1805. He also wears the emblem of the Golden Fleece, presented to him at the Congress of Vienna, and added to the picture by Gérard in or after 1815. (Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art)