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Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena
- This is an early terracotta depiction of Napoleon in exile at St. Helena
- It captures a rare introspective portrayal of the emperor
- The work likely inspired later 19th-century works by artists such as Carpeaux
- Get complete item description here
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Circa 1825-1840
This exceptional terracotta statue of Napoleon Bonaparte on St. Helena stands as one of the earliest known depictions of the emperor in this iconic pose. Dating circa 1825–1840, the sculpture captures Napoleon in exile, reflecting on his empire’s legacy and the ambitions that reshaped Europe. With remarkable precision, the artist portrays the emperor seated on a klismos chair atop a stack of books—a nod. . .
Circa 1825-1840
This exceptional terracotta statue of Napoleon Bonaparte on St. Helena stands as one of the earliest known depictions of the emperor in this iconic pose. Dating circa 1825–1840, the sculpture captures Napoleon in exile, reflecting on his empire’s legacy and the ambitions that reshaped Europe. With remarkable precision, the artist portrays the emperor seated on a klismos chair atop a stack of books—a nod to his intellectual depth and love of literature—his hand tucked into his waistcoat, a gesture that was rendered in many of his official portraits.
The statue’s black-painted terracotta surface and finely rendered details evoke both the grandeur and introspection of Napoleon’s life. Dressed in a frock coat and boots, he gazes to the side as if lost in thought or quiet conversation. The subtle balance of heroic presence and personal vulnerability sets this work apart, offering a rare perspective on the emperor's final years.
This one-of-a-kind work of art predates similar works by artists like Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, whose celebrated depictions now grace institutions such as the Musée d'Orsay and the Cleveland Museum of Art. This statue was also formerly part of the personal collection of François Hayem, the famed Parisian art dealer.
26 3/4" high x 26 1/2" wide x 13 3/4" deep
| Period: | 1816-1918 |
| Type: | Sculpture |
| Style: | Neoclassicism |
| Depth: | 13.75 in. (34.93 cm) |
| Width: | 26.5 in. (67.31 cm) |
| Height: | 26.75 in. (67.95 cm) |
Buy With Confidence
For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.
On Approval
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Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years
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