A preparatory drawing for the picture of the same title commissioned by Frochot in 1806 or 1808 for the Palais de Luxembourg, later sent in 1835 to Versailles. An oil sketch for the composition, unknown to Guiffrey, was sold in these Rooms, 28 November 1986, lot 75, illustrated. The Battle of Austerlitz, won against overwhelming odds, was one of Napoleon's greatest victories. Napoleon after defeating the Imperial armies greeted the Emperor on the battlefield : 'je vous reçois dans le seul palais que j'habite depuis deux mois'. A painting by Gros of the scene is at Versailles, J. Tulard, L'Histoire de Napolèon par la Peinture, Paris, 1991, illustrated p. 91