Napoleon Bonaparte, a figure whose impact on European history is both profound and complex, is once again at the centre of attention as a collection of his prized possessions heads to auction in Paris. Leading this auction, managed by Sotheby's, is perhaps the most recognisable item associated with him—his bicorn hat. Expected to fetch nearly £700,000, this hat is part of an extensive collection comprising around 100 items, with a total estimated value exceeding £5 million (€6 million). Among these items are personal memorabilia, including documents from his tumultuous marriage to Joséphine, a set of his linen clothes, and even a portable campaign bed that he held dear throughout his military campaigns.

The bicorn hat, crafted by Poupard, Napoleon’s official hat maker, takes on immense significance as a symbol of his identity. Worn with its wings parallel to his shoulders—an unconventional style meant to set him apart—this particular hat was later gifted to General Mouton, one of his closest commanders. Marine de Cenival, a Sotheby’s expert, emphasised the uniqueness of this auction, stating, "This is the first time that we are offering such an important group of lots about Napoleon. He is probably the most famous French person in the world."

This event unfolds against a backdrop of a rich history of Napoleon's life. From his rise on the island of Corsica in 1769 to his self-coronation as Emperor of France, Napoleon's legacy is marked by both triumph and tragedy. The collection, curated over 40 years by Pierre-Jean Chalençon, well-known as 'Napoleon's press officer', consists of artefacts that span his military conquests, family life, and even his exile to the desolate island of Saint Helena. Chalençon has recently found himself in financial distress and is selling the collection, alongside his Parisian mansion, as he attempts to resolve a €10 million debt.

Included in this extraordinary auction are intimate relics from Napoleon's relationship with Joséphine, his first wife. A handwritten marriage contract between the two is projected to sell for up to £42,000, while a folio thought to contain their divorce papers may bring in around £67,000. Their relationship has often been portrayed as passionate yet volatile, further fuelled by the frequent, ardent letters Napoleon penned to her, often met with terse replies that frustrated him deeply.

Moreover, this auction comes on the heels of a record-breaking sale in November 2023, where another bicorn hat worn by Napoleon sold for an astonishing €1.9 million ($2.1 million). This item, part of a larger collection of his memorabilia, underscores the continued fascination with Napoleonic artefacts and their significant stature in historical auctions.

As the auction date of June 25 approaches, anticipation builds around these items, each holding a narrative threaded into the broader tapestry of European history. The sale offers collectors and history enthusiasts alike a rare glimpse into the life of one of history's most impactful figures, as well as the opportunity to acquire items that shed light on his storied past.

In tandem with the auction, an exhibition will be running in Hong Kong until May 27, followed by a display in New York from June 5 to June 11, further enhancing the allure of these historical pieces ahead of their sale in Paris.

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Source: Noah Wire Services