Over 100 Napoleon Artifacts Auctioned in Paris Expected to Exceed €7 Million

Over 100 rare artifacts belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte, including his iconic black felt bicorne hat, personal effects such as his handwritten will and divorce papers from Empress Josephine, are being auctioned in Paris in what Sotheby’s calls one of the most significant Napoleonic sales ever held. The auction, expected to raise over 7 million euros, offers a unique glimpse into the private and public life of the French emperor, highlighting both his military grandeur and sentimental relationships. The public exhibition has been transformed into an immersive experience by designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, featuring atmospheric elements and themed rooms inspired by Napoleon's life and legacy. Interest in Napoleon has been revitalized by Ridley Scott’s 2023 biopic, which has introduced the emperor to a younger generation and reignited public fascination. Experts and visitors alike acknowledge Napoleon’s complex legacy as both a visionary leader and a controversial figure, whose life continues to shape French identity. Louis-Xavier Joseph from Sotheby’s emphasized that these artifacts are more than museum pieces; they are fragments of a life that profoundly influenced history.