Charles Maurice de Talleyrand Périgord (1754–1838), Prince de Bénévent  1808

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 hi...