On the occasion of the sale “Napoleon: Une Collection Historique”, which will offer at auction on June 25 the remarkable Napoleonic objects from the collection of Pierre-Jean Chalençon, Sotheby’s has entrusted the scenography of the pre-sale exhibition to Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. After first encountering Pierre-Jean Chalençon’s collection at the Biennale in 2018, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has now accepted to take over the galleries of Sotheby’s Paris with a boldly contemporary and romantic interpretation. Conceived as a historical journey through the life of the Emperor, the scenography offers an immersive experience designed to engage all the visitor’s senses. Inspired by a few personal favourites from the collection — such as the Emperor’s campaign bed — de Castelbajac set out to spark imagination and emotion by blending history with pop culture. Cut-outs, stripes, colour, fog and sound effects: through his signature codes and artistic language, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac reinterprets the Napoleonic myth, anchoring the Emperor firmly in modernity.

An Original Staging by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

This collection retraces the extraordinary rise of the Corsican general who became master of Europe and was crowned Emperor in 1804.Reviving the grandeur of Ancient Rome, Napoleon adopted classical symbols to legitimise his power and craft his imperial image. In his iconic equestrian portrait crossing the Alps, he aligns himself with Hannibal and Charlemagne, military legends who forged paths through history. His coronation portrait, rich in symbolism and ceremony, establishes the official image of Napoleon I, resplendent with imperial attributes. He installs thrones in palaces across France and throughout conquered territories, while the Roman eagle, emblem of authority and conquest, becomes omnipresent, emblazoned on every flag of the Empire.

Napoleon, From Strategic General to Conqueror of Europe

This section offers an intimate glimpse into the man behind the Emperor, revealing Napoleon through the lens of his daily life. The bicorne's hat attributed to Poupard and probably made for the Emperor, became a powerful emblem of the character. Also featured is a campaign bed used on military expeditions, alongside a fragment of the cloak he wore at the Battle of Marengo, one of his most celebrated victories. Among these deeply personal objects is a sleeve from his orange First Consul coat, preserved like a relic by admirers, as well as a plate from his Tuileries service and items from his personal wardrobe. Napoleon’s private life is brought into focus through poignant artefacts such as his marriage certificate with Joséphine, a lavishly illustrated book commemorating his union with Archduchess Marie-Louise, and a delicate bracelet she commissioned, bearing the likeness of their son — the Aiglon, heir to the Empire.

Intimate Napoleon

To promote trade and showcase the artistry of French decorative arts, Napoleon commissioned numerous works for family and diplomatic gifts. A Sèvres porcelain plate, given to Josephine during their 1809 divorce, exemplifies this. A diamond and enamel watch with the initials ML reflects Marie-Louise’s taste for fine jewelry, as does a signet ring presented by Napoleon in Nijmegen in 1811. He also gifted a Views of Switzerland service to his adopted son, Eugène de Beauharnais. Marie-Louise offered a porcelain teapot to her sister-in-law Elisa, who reciprocated with a clock. To promote trade and celebrate the excellence of French decorative arts, Napoleon commissioned numerous works as personal and diplomatic gifts.These objects not only reflect imperial taste, but also the emotional and political bonds forged within his close circle. A Sèvres porcelain plate, gifted to Joséphine at the time of their divorce in 1809, speaks to both the refinement of imperial craftsmanship and the complexity of their relationship. A diamond and enamel watch bearing the initials ML illustrates Marie-Louise’s appreciation for exquisite jewellery, as does a signet ring offered by Napoleon during a visit to Nijmegen in 1811. Other diplomatic gestures include the Views of Switzerland porcelain service, presented to his adopted son Eugène de Beauharnais. Marie-Louise, too, took part in this culture of exchange, gifting a porcelain teapot to her sister-in-law Elisa, who responded in kind with a clock.

Imperial Gifts

After reaching the heights of power, Napoleon’s downfall became one of history’s most dramatic reversals. His defeat at Waterloo marked the end of his reign and opened the way for the Prussians to seize his carriage, capturing personal effects such as a gold and ebony seal and his daily silverware, engraved with his imperial arms. His exile to Saint Helena is evoked through intimate relics: a madras cloth, a book bearing his handwritten annotations, and a mahogany box adorned with his coat of arms. The most moving of all is his will, dictated to his devoted companion, General Bertrand. Even after his death, Napoleon’s legacy continued to inspire. Artists such as Delaroche, Sant, and Detaille paid tribute through poignant works, while the voyage of the Belle Poule to Saint Helena commemorated the solemn return of his ashes to France.

The End of an Empire

Paris

Senior Director | Head of Department European Furniture and Decorative Arts

Louis-Xavier Joseph

Senior Project Manager Furniture | Head of sale Silver

Marine de Cenival

Cataloguer | Furniture and Silver 

Julia Cottin

Vice President | International Specialist | European Ceramics & Glass

Richard Hird

Ceramics Consultant

Rebecca Wintgens

Senior Director | Head of Department Old Master and 19th Century Paintings

Olivier Lefeuvre

Senior Director | Head of Old Master & Early British Drawings | Worldwide

Gregory Rubinstein

Associate Specialist | Old Masters & 19th Century Paintings

Clémence Enriquez

Deputy Director | Specialist | Sculpture

Stephanie Veyron

Associate Specialist | Sculpture

Clémence Bertrand

Director | Specialist

Patricia de Fougerolle

Deputy Director | Collection Project Manager

Céline Deruelle

Meet our Specialists

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Sotheby’s is honoured to present an exceptional auction dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte and the Empire period. Carefully assembled over more than 40 years by renowned collector Pierre-Jean Chalençon, this extraordinary collection includes Imperial furniture, silverware, porcelain, sculpture, Old Master paintings, and drawings, all distinguished by prestigious provenance. The sale paints a rich and multifaceted portrait of Napoleon: from his early years and brilliant military career, to his coronation at Notre-Dame, his private life, the fall of the Empire, and his final exile on the island of Saint Helena. This auction offers a rare chance to acquire a true piece of French history.

Napoléon: Une Collection Historique

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Napoléon: Une Collection Historique