“translation Du Corps De Napoléon”, Watercolored Lithographs, 1840

“Translation du corps de Napoléon”, watercolored lithographs, 1840

A rare set of nine watercolored lithographs, published in Paris by Brioude, Bd Poissonnière 14, documenting one of the most symbolically significant events in 19th-century France: the return of Napoleon Bonaparte's ashes from Saint Helena and their transfer to Les Invalides (December 15, 1840), a ceremony ordered by Louis Philippe d'Orléans.

Each plate depicts a scene from the grand funeral procession that crossed Paris; the images are enriched with hand-painted watercolors.

Entrée triomphale – The entrance ceremony with temporary architecture and French flags.

Le Char Funèbre – The grand horse-drawn hearse, decorated with drapes and Napoleonic symbols.

Défilé militaire – Troops marching alongside the procession.

Passage des Invalides – The procession approaching the Hôtel des Invalides.

Cérémonie et dépôt aux Invalides – The symbolic deposition in front of the Dôme church.

Pont de la Concorde – The procession crossing the bridge with the people waiting.

Place de la Concorde – The crowd and fountains of Place de la Concorde with the obelisk in the background.