A major Napoleon sale features millions of pounds-worth of artefacts, including one of his trademark bicorne hats that is expected to sell for almost £700,000.
Sotheby’s, who are handling the sale in Paris on June 25, describe the collection as “one of the most significant Napoleonic offerings ever to come to market.”
The owner was Pierre-Jean Chalençon, among the greatest private collectors of Napoleonic treasure.
Napoleon creating his own legend in coronation robes. Image courtesy of Sotheby’s.
Louis-Xavier Joseph of Sotheby’s said: “The Chalençon collection reflects around four decades of passionate collecting, studying, researching and instinctive connoisseurship. It presents an extraordinary synthesis of Napoleonic history – uniting grand historic symbols with intimate relics that offer a poignant glimpse into the personal life and vision of one of history’s most iconic figures.”
It has been reported that M Chalencon sold his Parisian home to pay for his collecting.
Around 100 items will be sold after a touring exhibition taking in Hong Kong and New York.
Sotheby’s say: “The works to be offered provide a sweeping, immersive portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte – charting his rise to Imperial power through to his final exile on Saint Helena.”
Predicted to top the sale in terms of value is one of Napoleon’s trademark bicorne hats.
The hat, which Napoleon wore sidewise in contrast to the fashion of the time, helped to create an unmistakable silhouette that was said to be worth thousands of men on the battlefield.
This example, made for the Emperor by Poupard, his regular hatmakers, carries a top estimate of €800,000, around £671,000.
Napoleon’s hats are among the most valuable items from his extraordinary life.
Au revoir. Napoleon’s divorce papers confirmed the end of one of history’s most referenced love stories. Image courtesy Sotheby’s.
In 2023, an example sold for $2.1 million, doubling its estimate.
In Paris this June, a herald’s sword and stick are expected to realise around £336,000.
A portrait carries a £250,000 top estimate.
No Napoleon sale would be complete without some reference to Josephine, his first wife. Someone will leave the Paris sale room with documents confirming his marriage (£42,000) or divorce (£67,000).
