# Unexpected attire

The child's "civilian" attire is surprising for an official portrait, and helps to bring the prince closer to the people. He wears a jacket, tie, baggy pants and silk stockings.

The portrait is modern, but not without dignity. His proud gaze, worthy of an imperial heir, counterbalances his simpler attire and relaxed attitude. These choices testify to a real desire to make the Empire appear as a government close to its people.

There is also a bust version of this sculpted group, preserved in the Palais Fesch in Ajaccio, where the prince is dressed in a grenadier's uniform, which was probably intended for display in a barracks. This reproduction confirms that the statue was reproduced in various forms and widely distributed.

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, Buste du Prince Impérial,
marble, 63x49x24cm, Ajaccio, Palais Fesch.