Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Click to Enlarge
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Click to Enlarge
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Click to Enlarge
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Click to Enlarge
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Click to Enlarge
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Click to Enlarge
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Click to Enlarge
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Click to Enlarge
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast

  • This incredible bronze was cast from Napoleon's original death mask
  • This mask was commissioned by Dr. Francesco Antommarchi, Napoleon’s personal physician and companion
  • Dr. Antommarchi was present at Napoleon's deathbed and was able to bring the parent cast to France
  • The doctor had the firm of Richard et Quesnel make a handful of bronze and plaster casts
  • Get complete item description here
$44,500
Item No. 31-8575

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
This mesmerizing antique bronze death mask of the Emperor Napoleon I is cast from the mold created by Dr. Francesco Antommarchi, Napoleon’s personal physician and companion during the last two years of his life. Cast by the French firm of L. Richard et Quesnel, this mask is one of the few French bronze masks created at Dr. Antommarchi’s request. 

One of the most intriguing reliquary objects in history, the cast was taken one and. . .
Read More
This mesmerizing antique bronze death mask of the Emperor Napoleon I is cast from the mold created by Dr. Francesco Antommarchi, Napoleon’s personal physician and companion during the last two years of his life. Cast by the French firm of L. Richard et Quesnel, this mask is one of the few French bronze masks created at Dr. Antommarchi’s request. 

One of the most intriguing reliquary objects in history, the cast was taken one and a half days after the deposed emperor’s death on the island of St. Helena on May 5, 1821. There remains some dispute about who took the original "parent cast" of the deposed emperor. It is now believed that the first mold was cast, not by Dr. Antommarchi, but by Dr. Francis Burton of Britain’s 66th Regiment, stationed at St. Helena.

Dr. Burton took the mold on May 7th, after gathering the materials to mix a rudimentary plaster-of-Paris. After setting it to dry, he reluctantly entrusted it to Madame Bertrand, who had been a member of Napoleon’s court and shared his exile, for safekeeping until it was dry enough to pack away. Unfortunately, Madame Bertrand must have had no intention of giving this precious item up, and removed all but the back third part of the mask before returning to France with her husband. Burton himself has even stated that Bertrand took the mask without his knowledge or consent. In fact, upon his return to England, he attempted to sue her for the return of the mask, but to no avail. 

Madame Bertrand is believed to have given the mask to Dr. Antommarchi, who then had bronze and plaster casts made of it while he resided in France. This task was undertaken by the firm of Richard et Quesnel. Founded in 1826 by Louis-Marie Richard and engraver Edouard Quesnel, this foundry specialized in bronze works. 

Today, several of these casts, both bronze and plaster, reside in museums throughout the world. The most famous is housed in the Cabildo of the Louisiana State Museum in New Orleans. It was carried here by Dr. Antommarchi himself in 1834, upon his immigration to the city. Removed from the Cabildo in 1853, the mask disappeared in the confusion of the Civil War, only to be spotted in a garbage cart by a former city official in 1866. From there, it traveled to Atlanta and returned to New Orleans, and the Louisiana State Museum, in 1909. 

The mask is inscribed: “Dr. F. Antommarchi” and “Fondu Par L. Richard et Quesnel A Paris” on the sides, while a medallion that reads "Napoleon Emp. et Roi / Souscription / Dr. Antommarchi 1833" rests just below the neck.

Dated 1833

Mask on base: 14“ high x 9 1/2” wide x 16 3/4“ deep (35.56 x 24.13 x 42.55 cm) 
Read Less
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Period: 1816-1918
Origin: France
Type: Sculpture
Depth: 16.75 in. (42.55 cm)
Width: 9.5 in. (24.13 cm)
Height: 14.0 in. (35.56 cm)
Bronze Napoleon I Death Mask, from the Dr. Antommarchi Cast
Napoleon in Art: Discover the Icon’s Legacy

Delve into the captivating world of Napoleon in art. Explore the legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleonic portraits, the epic Napoleonic wars and uncover the truth behind the Napoleon complex.     Bronze Bust...

Read More
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.