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Unknown Artist French, early 19th century

Felicity of France

1810/14
Engraving with etching in black on ivory laid paper
45.6 × 35.2 cm (18 × 13.9 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This allegorical image of Felicity, or Happiness, celebrates Napoleon’s second marriage, to the Austrian archduchess Marie-Louise. The newlyweds appear in portrait miniatures held aloft by Felicity, perhaps a clever comment on the fact that they were introduced and engaged to each other via the intermediary of painted portraits. Indeed, on first seeing her bridegroom in the flesh, Marie-Louise is said to have remarked, “You are much better looking than your portrait.”

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