Commemorating The Return Of Napoleon I's Ashes - Engraved And Gilded Plaque - 1840

A rare historical memento commemorating the return of Emperor Napoleon I’s ashes in 1840.

An oval gilt-copper plaque, finely engraved with a landscape evoking the island of Saint Helena. The composition depicts a mountainous landscape, trees, buildings, and several ships at anchor, recalling the expedition tasked with bringing the Emperor’s remains back to France.

In the lower portion, a cartouche decorated with foliage bears the dates May 5, 1821, the day of Napoleon’s death on Saint Helena, and December 15, 1840, the date of the Parisian ceremony marking the return of his ashes.

The finesse of the engraving, the interplay of hatching, and the numerous landscape details give this small composition a particularly refined character.

The piece is presented in an oval, blackened wooden frame with a gilded metal border and a hanging ring on the back.

Condition: The plate is in good condition, with a few signs of age. The frame shows surface wear and small chips in the black finish. The back is covered with antique paper, showing tears and signs of wear.

Dimensions: Frame: 13.5 × 10 cm; engraved plaque: 8.5 × 4.8 cm.

Period: July Monarchy, circa 1840.

Shipping and payment: Fast and careful shipping within France and Europe.
Other destinations available upon request.
Payment by check issued in metropolitan France only, bank transfer, or PayPal.