Sotheby's Auction of Napoleon's Notable Bicorne Hat, Bed, and Worn Socks in Paris
In Paris on June 25th, Sotheby's will auction a large collection of Napoleonic artifacts that the auction house claims is one of the most extensive ever to reach the market. This significant offering consists of approximately 100 items, which span across imperial furniture, Old Master paintings, and deeply personal relics that provide insight into the life of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The collection belongs to renowned French antiques collector Pierre-Jean Chalençon and represents various facets of Napoleon's life – from battlefields and ceremonial halls to more intimate settings. Sotheby's likens the collection to a historical epic, emphasizing the juxtaposition between power, politics, and pageantry, along with the emperor's vulnerabilities, ambitions, and contradictions.
Among the highlights, a bicorne hat, noted for its iconic status, is likely to be the most coveted item. Unlike other French army officers, Napoleon famously wore his bicorne hat with the wings parallel to his shoulder, a tradition followed in this particular hat, made by Poupard, the official hatmaker of the emperor. Valued at €800,000, this hat was personally given by Napoleon to General Mouton, a trusted and courageous commander who received commendation from the emperor for his decisive role in the Battle of Essling in May 1809.
Another significant piece in the auction is a herald sword and stick used during Napoleon's coronation ceremony at Notre-Dame de Paris, with an estimated price of €400,000. A personal gold and ebony seal sets a high estimate of €250,000, while Napoleon's worn stockings and portable camp bed may cater to those seeking more intimate artifacts from the French general's life.
While interest in Napoleon continues to be high, Chalençon is reportedly facing financial difficulties and is compelled to sell his Parisian mansion, which he transformed into a shrine to Napoleon, to clear a €10 million loan. Despite these struggles, he asserts that he is not overwhelmed with debts.
The collection will be exhibited at Sotheby's Hong Kong from May 23 to 27 and at New York from June 5 to 11 before the auction in Paris later in the month, giving collectors, historians, and enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire their own piece of French history.
Art enthusiasts and collectors alike are anticipating Sotheby's upcoming auction in Paris on June 25th, where a large collection of Napoleonic artifacts will be offered, said to be one of the most extensive ever to reach the market. The collection, belonging to renowned French antiques collector Pierre-Jean Chalençon, showcases various aspects of Napoleon Bonaparte's life, including his military victories and personal relics.
One of the highlight items at the auction is a bicorne hat, personally given by Napoleon to General Mouton, estimated at €800,000. Another coveted piece is a herald sword and stick used during Napoleon's coronation ceremony at Notre-Dame de Paris, valued at €400,000.
The collection offers an opportunity for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts to acquire their own piece of French history. Despite Chalençon's financial struggles, including the sale of his Parisian mansion to clear a €10 million loan, the auction promises to be a captivating event in the entertainment world, with celebrities and pop-culture figures likely to attend due to its significance in art, painting, and history.
