Napoleon Bonaparte, the storied figure of French history, remains a compelling character nearly two centuries after his reign. Known as the 'Little Corporal,' he was not only an astute military tactician but also a master manipulator of public perception, accentuated by his distinctive bicorne hat, famously worn sideways. Now, this iconic piece of headwear is at the forefront of a notable auction of Napoleon's possessions, taking place at Sotheby’s Paris on June 25, where the ensemble is expected to fetch upwards of £5 million (€6 million).

The bicorne hat, crafted by Poupard, Napoleon's official hat maker, has garnered much attention with an estimated sale price nearing £670,000 (€800,000). The hat's unique orientation—a style dubbed "en bataille"—allowed Napoleon to stand out on the battlefield, securing his image as both a leader and a brand. This particular example was a cherished gift to General Mouton, one of his key commanders, highlighting its significance beyond mere fashion. Sotheby's expert Marine De Cenival has noted that this auction offers a remarkable assortment of items pivotal to Napoleon's life, symbolising his enduring legacy as perhaps the most recognised Frenchman in history.

Among the treasures being auctioned are other signs of Napoleon's tumultuous personal life, notably his relationship with his first wife, Josephine. The handwritten marriage contract, meticulously drafted to present a united front before the Vatican, is expected to sell for about £42,000 (€50,000). This document marks a poignant chapter in their complex romance, which ended in divorce when Josephine was unable to provide a male heir, a situation that Napoleon desperately craved.

In addition to these personal relics, historical artefacts from his military campaigns are also on offer. A signature portable campaign bed—revered by Napoleon for its comfort—is estimated to reach £50,000 (€60,000). This was no ordinary bed; Napoleon valued it so much that he used it both in wartime and at his residences in France, leaving behind a poignant legacy that he regarded as a modest gift to his son, meant to preserve the memory of "a father the universe will forever speak of."

The significance of the bicorne is further underscored by its historical rarity; of the estimated 120 hats owned by Napoleon, only about 20 remain today, primarily due to private ownership and the passage of time. This auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors and historians alike to acquire a piece of history that encapsulates the essence of an era marked by ambition, power, and personal conflict. Earlier auctions of Napoleon's possessions have set a precedence for high bids; for instance, one of his hats fetched a staggering €1.9 million (£1.69 million) in a recent sale, reflecting the intense interest in Napoleonic memorabilia.

The auction is further enriched by the presence of other significant items, such as a ceremonial sword and stick used during his 1804 coronation, expected to draw around £336,000 (€400,000), and a gold-enamelled necklace watch, potentially sold for up to £50,400 (€60,000). Together, these items weave a narrative of triumph and tragedy, encapsulating the life of a man who reshaped Europe and whose personal relationships were as intricate as his military strategies.

Napoleon's image resonates beyond mere historical analysis; it has been brought to contemporary audiences through recent adaptations in media, including Ridley Scott's film featuring Joaquin Phoenix. The combination of artistry and historicity fuels ongoing fascination with this compelling figure, as modern audiences grapple with his legacy.

As the auction day approaches, the world watches closely, eager to see the final sales figures of not just a hat, but of deeply embedded symbols of an era. This collection paints a vibrant picture of an unparalleled life defined by power, ambition, and personal trials—a narrative that continues to intrigue and engage.

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Source: Noah Wire Services