English: The life-size state portrait was completed by Alexandre Cabanel at the behest of the emperor himself. Napoleon III is seen standing, wearing haute couture instead of a military uniform: a black dinner jacket with a white shirt, black short trousers with black stockings and fitting leather shoes. This suit was fashionable at that time. His only decoration is the medal of the Legion of Honour on his left and the red sash across his right shoulder. His right hand rest comfortably on his right hip, giving an air of confidence. The only indication of his imperial status is the long red mantle with hermine and the golden imperial crown and sceptre resting on the table, on which Napoleon III is resting his left hand on. The gilded room is presumable one of the Tuileries Palace.

At the time of completion, Cabanel was heavily criticised by many for depicting the emperor not grand enough, making him look rather short and stout. Since Napoleon III is also not wearing uniform, which would have lent him an air of grandeur, some even mocked Cabanel of painting a waiter, ready to serve supper. Nevertheless the painting was well received within the imperial family. Apparently the artist was able to capture the emperor so well, it was greatly appreciated by the Empress Eugenie, who hung the portrait in the private chambers of the Tuileries Palace. After the end of the Second Empire, she took the painting with her into exile, despite its large size.

It is speculated why the emperor chose to depict himself in civilian rather than military dress. Napoleon III wanted to move away from a strict imperial rule more towards a more bourgeois, democratic society. The attempt to downplay the imperial aspect could also be in reaction to the fact that the Bonaparte family originally came from rather humble origins, compared to other, centuries-old European royal dynasties. The fact that he has his back turned to the imperial regalia and stands in civilian dress can be interpreted as a move forward into the future, almost as if stepping out of something. Speculations aside, it is not a coincidence that Napoleon III wanted to be painted without imperial military uniform but depicted more as a civilian statesman or a gentleman.