Sketch of Murat by Antoine-Jean Gros, 1808. The text reads, “Voici mon cher ami Murat le Roi de Naples” (“Here is my dear friend Murat the King of Naples”). Murat had been, along with Marshal Berthier, a patron of Gros, and commissioned paintings of himself on two occasions. Gros’ first painting featuring Murat was The Battle of Aboukir in 1806, and an equestrian portrait of Murat (see below) in 1811. Murat also features prominently in Gros’ The Battle of Eylau, commissioned by Napoleon in 1808.