Napoleon Complex

from Chorley's Newsletter | July 2020

Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington were two of the most significant figures of the 19th Century. Their successes, failures and battles have been the subject of thousands of books, paintings and opinions. To this day there are devoted collectors of items relating to both men, although perhaps it is Napoleon that has the greater share of the collectors market, if not the spoils of victory.

**Lot 922, Bronze of Young Napoleon, Estimate £1200-1500**
Chorley's

A private collection of Napoleona in Chorley's forthcoming auction will give collectors something to get their teeth into from fine bronzes and ceramics to books and prints. Lot 992 is a bronze depicting the young Napoleon while at military school. It was here that he developed an interest in arithmetic, geometry and history and he is depicted standing by a globe and holding a book in one hand, estimate £1200-1500. Lot 988 is a less flattering item, an English pearlware jug with a scene of ‘John Bull Shewing the Corsican Monkey’ - here Napoleon is depicted as a fierce monkey astride a bear led by a corpulent John Bull. An example of grotesque period satire, it could realise £300-500. From another source an interesting coquilla nut cup is carved with the letter N, a portrait and eagle; this bears a plaque in French which translates as ‘Napoleon used this as a drinking cup during the Battle of the Pyramids’, Lot 1002, estimate £600-800.

**Lot 1002, Coquilla nut, reportedly used as a drinking cup by Napoleon, Estimate £600-800**
Chorley's

Items of Wellington interest can be found elsewhere in the sale. Lot 489 is a 17 th Century curiosity cabinet with panelled lapis front that was last offered by Christie’s in their sale of items from the estate of Brigadier Arthur Valerian Wellesley, 8th Duke of Wellington, K.G (1915- 2014) and Diana Ruth, née McConnel, Duchess of Wellington (1922-2010). The cabinet was probably acquired by the 7th Duke during his time in Rome. Estimated at £3,000-5,000 this is a rare item and with a provenance to match. The furniture section also includes a fine dressing table attributed to George Bullock, Lot 496. This example in mahogany with ebony lines is very similar in design to the furniture supplied by George Bullock to furnish Longwood House, St. Helena, Napoleon’s home in exile. A restrained piece of top quality, it should achieve £2,000-3,000.

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Chorley's Newsletter | July 2020