Joachim Murat (1776-1815) was the son of an innkeeper. He initially studied for a career in the church but enlisted in a cavalry regiment in 1787 and rapidly rose to the rank of general. He became Napoleon’s aide-de-camp and in 1800 he married Napoleon’s sister Caroline. He was created King of Naples in 1808 and was known both for his lavish court and for important reforms, breaking up the large landed estates and opening the administration to advancement by merit. Here he is wearing cavalry uniform and the star of the Legion of Honour.

Nicolas François Dun (1764-1832) was born into the family of a musician working at the Lorraine court in Luneville. It is not known where or with whom he studied but in 1790 he was in Naples. He frequented the circle of Lady Hamilton, wife of the British ambassador, who was living in this city at the time. He became a court portrait miniature painter and several portraits by Dun of both Joachim and Caroline are recorded. This portrait appears to have been done from life.

The miniature is signed on the right: Dun.