Charles Maurice de Talleyrand Perigord (1754?1838), Prince de Benevent, 1808, Oil on canvas, 83 7/8 x 57 7/8 in. (213 x 147 cm), Paintings, baron Francois Gerard (French, Rome 1770?1837 Paris), Talleyrand commissioned this elegant informal portrait after he resigned from his position as minister of foreign affairs to protest Napoleon?s continuing military ambitions. Gerard knew and received him personally in his studio: the imposing presence and unrevealing expression are typical