About this 3D model

This bust of late French Emperor Napoleon was made ca 1850, when his nephew and heir Napoleon III had just accessed power (1852). Therefore one may suppose that such a creation had a political purpose, by reminding the people of the great heritage of the current Emperor, and justifying his legitimacy in this position. Napoleon is presented with many attributes of power: the crown of laurels of course, a reference to the past glory of Roman Emperors, and his rich clothing, a reference to the present glory of his newly acquired nobility.