Skip to product information
Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena
Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena
Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena
Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena
Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena
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

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
$88,500
Item No. 32-0021

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

Description
Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena
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. . .
Read More
Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena
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
Read Less
Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena
Period: 1816-1918
Type: Sculpture
Depth: 13.75 in. (34.93 cm)
Width: 26.5 in. (67.31 cm)
Height: 26.75 in. (67.95 cm)
Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena
Fluent in Style: A Guide to French Furniture Styles

From the opulent curves of the Rococo style to the graceful symmetry of neoclassical design, French furniture is as aesthetically varied as it is historically fascinating. For over two centuries, French furniture makers reigned...

Read More
Terracotta Statue of Emperor Napoleon at St. Helena
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.