Nederlands
English
Deutsch
Français
Español
Português
Imperial Treasures Under the Hammer at Sotheby's
A remarkable collection of approximately one hundred personal items belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte is being auctioned today at Sotheby's in Paris, expected to fetch over seven million euros. This unprecedented sale features intimate artifacts from the French emperor's life, including his campaign bed, divorce documents, and a sauce-stained sleeve from his iconic red velvet coat.
The Crown Jewel: Napoleon's Imperial Throne
The centerpiece of the auction is Napoleon's imperial throne, described by Sotheby's specialist Louis-Xavier Joseph as "the last throne in private hands." This significant historical artifact has remained in private collections while others reside in museums like the Louvre. The throne represents Napoleon's 1804 self-coronation as Emperor of France and his subsequent rule over vast European territories including the Netherlands.
Personal Artifacts Reveal Private Life
Among the intimate objects are Napoleon's handwritten testament composed during his exile on Saint Helena after the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, Empress Joséphine's dressing table, and their divorce papers. A distinctive black felt bicorne hat, Napoleon's signature headwear, carries an estimated value of half a million euros. The collection originates from a 55-year-old French enthusiast who developed a teenage fascination with the military leader.
Napoleon's Complex Legacy
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) remains one of Europe's most influential historical figures. His authoritarian reign introduced transformative reforms including land registry systems and mandatory surnames while expanding French dominance across the continent. These advancements came at tremendous human cost, with millions perishing during the Napoleonic Wars that reshaped European borders and political landscapes.
Growing Market for Napoleonic Memorabilia
This auction continues a trend of high-value Napoleon artifact sales. Two years ago, another bicorne hat sold for over 2 million euros, while last month his ceremonial sword commanded 4.6 million euros. The sustained collector interest underscores Napoleon's enduring legacy as both military genius and controversial imperialist whose impact continues to resonate through modern European legal and administrative systems.
