Napoleon Bonparte was born in Ajaccio, Corsica, on August 15,1769, the second of Carlo (Charles) and Letizia Bonaparte's eight children. In 1778, Napoleon began his education at Autun and later attended school in Brienne, excelling in mathematics and science. Following a year's study at the Ecole Militaire in Paris, he was commissioned in the artillery in 1785. The year 1789 saw the outbreak of the French revolution, which created an atmosphere of opportunity that would not have existed under the Bourbons, and Napoleon was to make the most of it.
The first opportunity came in 1793, when Napoleon was promoted to brigadier general for the decisive part he played in the siege of Toulon, which ousted the British from mainland France. After Maximilien de Robespierre's fall from power in 1794, Napoleon fell out of favor and was imprisoned. After his release he ended up saving the new government from an insurgent mob with artillery fire. A grateful government later appointed Napoleon to command of the Army of Italy. Before his departure, Napoleon married Josephine de Beauharnais on March 9, 1796.
Campaigning in Italy in 1796 and 1797, he inspired the impoverished army with the promise of "honor, glory, and riches," and enjoyed a succession of victories, which resulted in Austria signing the Peace of Campo Formio. His display of bravery, intelligence, and leadership proved an inspiration to the common soldier and formed an enduring bond. Returning to France, he was given charge of an expedition to Egypt, control of which would threaten English possessions in India. Victory in Egypt gave France control of Cairo, but the destruction of the French squadron anchored in Abu Qir Bay by British Admiral Horatio Nelson's fleet stranded Napoleon. After some unsuccessful campaigning in Syria, he departed by ship with a small group of friends and sailed to France, abandoning his Army.
In 1799 public sentiment had swung against the government. Following a coup d'etat by Napoleon and Emmanuel Sieyès, Napoleon became the defacto ruler of France. The country was still at war however, and after a dramatic crossing of the Alps, Napoleon defeated the Austrians at the battle of Marengo on June 14, 1800. This victory solidified his reputation of invincibility, and combined with other successes, led to a general European peace.
After a decade of war, a grateful France made Napoleon Consul for Life and effective sovereign of the nation. Napoleon proved to be an equally skilled statesman and remodelled the country's economy and administration. He signed a Concordat with the Pope in 1801 that restored religion to France, but his greatest achievement was the Code Napoléon, or civil code, which in part is still used today. His growing popularity resulted in his being proclaimed Emperor in 1804. At the coronation, Napoleon crowned himself, taking the crown from the Pope in a symbolic manner to show that power stemmed from the state and not the church as with previous monarchs.
It was an uneasy peace however, and plans were made to invade Britain by crossing the English Channel, but these were abandoned when Napoleon marched his highly trained Grand Armée into central Europe to meet the converging forces of Austria and Russia. Capturing a large part of the Austrian army at Ulm, Napoleon crossed the Danube to face the remaining Austrians and the Russians at Austerlitz. The result was a decisive victory on December 2, 1805. Austria sued for peace, but a new coalition was formed of Britain, Russia and Prussia. Napoleon defeated the Prussians at Jena in 1806, and the Russians at Friedland in 1807.
Following these victories, Napoleon was at the pinnacle of his career. With a great display of pomp he met the Russian Emperor Alexander I at Tilsit and a new Franco/Russian alliance was born. Portions of Prussia were divided into new states, and Napoleon later announced a new policy of economic warfare, the Continental System. Its goal was to destroy Britain's economic dominance by closing all continental ports to British trade. In pursuit of this policy, Napoleon sent troops to conquer Britain's ally Portugal and close the port of Lisbon. Following that success, he used those same troops to bully the Spanish King into abdicating in favor of his brother Joseph. The Spanish revolted and Britain landed an army in Portugal to support them. Napoleon marched the Grand Armée to the Peninsula, defeated the Spaniards and drove the British to the coast.
In 1809, another coalition was formed between Britain and Austria, forcing Napoleon to return and wage a campaign in Germany before Spain was pacified. Successful battles resulted in the French occupation of Vienna, but Napoleon suffered his first clear defeat against an Austrian army led by Archduke Charles in an attempt to cross the Danube. A later crossing led to victory at Wagram on July 5-6, 1809, and the signing of the Treaty of Schonbrunn.
Napoleon, still legally childless and desiring an heir for his growing empire, reluctantly divorced Josephine and arranged a marriage with the daughter of the Austrian Emperor, Marie Louise. She soon bore him a son, Napoleon II, in March 1811.
Most of Europe was then an ally or under the direct control of France, but Spain and Portugal remained openly contested and large portions of the French army became embroiled in a long war. Relations with Russia also deteriorated when the Alexander I broke with the Continental System and in 1812 Napoleon invaded with a multinational army of 600,000 men. The battle of Borodino resulted in Napoleon's occupation of Moscow, but he was unable to bring Alexander I to terms, and was soon forced to retreat. The ’scorched earth’ policy employed by the Russians combined with extreme weather caused the Grand Armée to disintegrate and the campaign ended in disaster. The defeat in Russia prompted Prussia, Sweden, and Austria to declare war on France. Napoleon raised another army but was decisively defeated at the Battle of Leipzig, or Battle of Nations, on October 16-19, 1813. Napoleon fought a last brilliant campaign in France to defend Paris, but in April 1814 abdicated and went into exile on the island of Elba. The Bourbon king was restored to the French throne.
While the Allies debated a realignment of the map of Europe in Vienna, Napoleon planned his return, and in March 1815, he landed in France and regained his throne in a bloodless coup. Rather than await another invasion, Napoleon surprised Allied forces in Belgium. After initial success, Napoleon fought an Anglo/Allied army led by the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo, and was decisively defeated on June 18, 1815. Napoleon was exiled to the island of St. Helena situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, where he resided until his death on May 5, 1821. His remains were removed from St. Helena in 1840 and his body now rests at les Invalides in Paris.
Sources: The Napoleon Series and Encyclopaedia Britannica
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
William Henry Hoffman Collection on Napoleon I, Ms. Hoffman, Brown University Library.
The William Henry Hoffman Collection on Napoleon I contains over 200 manuscripts pertaining to the First French Republic and the Napoleonic era, some of which are signed by the Emperor, and 400 rare books, prints, art objects, and examples of fine bindings.
The collection is divided into nine series:
Correspondence and books are arranged alphabetically by author. Portraits are arranged by subject.
The William Henry Hoffman Collection on Napoleon I was donated to Brown University in 1921 by Mira H. Hoffman, W.H. Hoffman's widow.
The Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection contains a collection of
Engraving by Louis Rados after N. Melini.
Duc de Castiglione, marshal of France.
Engraving by Ruotte after Aubry.
Duc de.
Duc de.
Four lines of poetry under the picture.
Prince de Neufchâtel, duc de Valengin, prince de Wagram, marshal of France.
Duc d'Istrie, marshal of France.
Head finished in stipple, rest in outline. No letter.
Prince of Wahlstadt, Prussian field marshal.
Mezzotint by E.C. Wagstaff after Lawrence.
Prince of Wahlstadt, Prussian field marshal.
Color engraving by R. Cooper and T. Sutherland after H. Alken.
Comte.
Engraving in line and stipple.
Engraving in line and stipple.
French general.
Lithograph by V. Adam after a drawing taken on the spot.
Duc de Frioul, French general.
Duc de Frioul, French general.
Duc de.
French general.
Engraving by A. Lefevre after H. Vernet.
Baron.
Engraving by J.G. Mansfield after Weihert.
Engraving by Mackenzie after W.M. Craig.
Marquis de.
Bust in engraved oval frame.
Duc de Montebello.
Engraving by Charon after Aubrey.
Engraving by E. Beissou after J. Boze.
Half-length engraving.
Stipple engraving printed in colors; by J.L. Benoist after A. Vigneux.
Aquatint by M. Dubourg after a drawing by J.A. Atkinson.
Engraving by S. Arlent Edwards after David. Signed artist's proof.
Engraving by H.B. Harte after Horace Vernet.
Line engraving after sketch from life, March 6, 1821, two months before his death.
Engraved bust by Zagnani after Falcini.
Engraved bust by H. Meyer after H. Rubidge.
Engraving by R.B. Peake from a sketch taken on the Island.
Colored print by Moreau after David.
Napoleon asleep at St. Helena, surrounded by conquered nations. Below, quotation:
"Approchez doucement vous tous peuples vaincus; Car s'il se reveillait vous ne dormiriez plus."
Etching by Laurens after Calau.
Line engraving by Forster after Devera.
Line engravings, in colors.
Pen and ink drawing.
Line engraving.
Pen and ink drawing.
"Satirist, 1st December 1813."
Pen and ink drawing of 1805.
Color print.
Lord, British admiral.
Duc d'Elchingen, marshal of France.
Duc d'Elchingen, marshal of France.
Duc d'Elchingen, marshal of France.
Duc d'Elchingen, marshal of France.
Engraving by Normand after Gérard.
Prince, Polish general, marshal of France.
Engraving by Molle after Vernet.
Prince, Polish general, marshal of France.
Recovery of his body from the river by fishermen.
Comte, French general.
Duc de Massa, French statesman.
Engraved by E.G. Herhan after a drawing from life by J. Guérin.
Comte d'.
Engraved by Anth. Cardon after a drawing by J. Guérin.
Marshal of France, and later King Charles XIV of Sweden.
Engraved by Chaubard after a drawing by Lafond, Jr.
Marquis de.
Engraved by G. Fiesinger after a drawing from life by J. Guérin.
Duc d'Abrantés, marshal.
Drawing after the original portrait by Gros.
Duc de Valmy, marshal of France.
Engraved by Bourgeois after a drawing by Hilaire.
French general-in-chief in Egypt.
General at Waterloo.
Marquis de, companion and historian of Napoleon at St. Helena.
Lithograph after Maurin.
Marquis de, marshal of France.
Lithograph after Maurin.
General.
Engraved by B. Roger after a drawing from life by J. Guérin.
Duc de Dantzic, marshal of France.
Comte, general of calvary.
Lithograph on India paper.
Comte de, marshal of France.
Lithograph after Maurin.
French general.
King of Naples.
Engraving by Ruotte after Gros.
Duc d'Elchingen, marshal of France.
Engraving by Charon after Martinet.
Duc d'Elchingen, marshal of France.
Lithograph after Mauzin.
Duc de Reggio, marshal of France.
Comte, marshal of France.
Lithograph after Maurin.
A series of 100 miniature portraits, engraved by Bovinet after Vautier. 5 plates, each with ornamental border.
"Angriff der franz: cuirassiere," etc.
Aquatint by A. Pucherna after F. von Habermann.
This shows the last stand of the Old Guard.
Engraving by Tazet after Steuben.
Line and stipple engraving by T. Hellyer, from drawings taken on the spot by Capt. J. Weir of H.M.S. Audacious.
Appears to be a color print from the original portrait by Horace Vernet. The legend, however, reads, "From an original drawing made from the life, a short time previous to the Russian campaign, at the express request of Joel Barlow, Ambassador from the United States of America, by a gentleman in his suite."
Signed by Comte de Hunebourg, with Napoleon's signature NP on margin.
Engraving by Anthony Cardon after De Loutherbourg.
Line engraving by Wexelbourg after Ange Persico.
Engraving by C. Furh after Lafosse and Delaroche.
Facsimile in colors from the watercolor by Dujardin.
Engraving by Levachez after C. Vernet.
Obverse. NEAPOLIO MAGNUS IMP. ET MARIA LUDOVICA AUSTR. Two heads within a wreath. A star above and a lion below.
Reverse. A crowned female figure writing on a shield: VOTA LVG. "The good wishes of Lyons." The shield rests on a flaming altar, on the side of which is a lion under a wreath. Exergue, OB FELICITATEM HYMENAIE AUG. CONSILLII MUNICIP. LUG. JUSSV PERCVSSVM. "Struck by order of the municipal council of Lyons, in honor of the marriage." KAL. APR. MDCCCX. On base of design above, MERCIE SCULPT. LUGDUNI.
Obverse. NAPOLEON I GALL. IMP. HAL. REX ET M. LUDOVICA ARCHI. AUST. Two facing heads on shields; before them an eagle perched on a thunderbolt among clouds; a torch between; behind and above the heads a spray of laurel and one of roses; at top a crown. Exergue, STUCKHART.
Reverse. NOVAM ACCIPE SPEM ORBIS. "Receive the new hope of the new world." A figure with four butterfly wings hands a naked babe to a seated female figure. Exergue, REX ROMAE NATUS DIE XX MARTII MDCCCXI. Below base of chair, ST:
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Larueated head. On the lower part, ANDRIEU F.
Reverse. VICTORIAE MANENTI. "To steadfast Victory." The Emperor represented as Diomedes on an ancient itaglio, is seated on a heap of military spoils, holding in one hand a sword, and in the other a statue of Victory. Beneath, BRENET F. Exergue, BATAILLLE DE PREUSS EYLAU VIII FEVRIER MDCCCVII.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Bust of Napoleon in uniform. Beneath, BRENET F.
Reverse. Hercules grappling two figures and kneeling on a third. Exergue, BATAILLE DE CHAMPAUBERT. X FEVRIER MDCCCXIV. DECON D. BRENET F.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Larueated head. On the lower part, ANDRIEU F.
Reverse. A warrior, retreating, is pursued by Boreas, pressing a bag, from whence destructive winds rush forth. A dead horse, dismounted cannon, and a tumbril in flames indicate the disasters of the army. DENON D. GALLE F. RÉTRAITE DE L'ARMÉE. NOVEMBRE MDCCCXII.
Obverse. NAPOLEON GALL. IMP. ITALIAE REX M. LUDOVICA FRANC. AUSTR. IMP. FIL. A. A. Opposite heads of Napoleon and Maria Louisa. Exergue, HARNISCH F.
Reverse. FELICIBUS NUPTIIS. "To the happy union." A turreted female figure, representing the city of Vienna, holding a sceptre surmounted by the Austrian eagle, inscribes on a shield, presented to her by Love, VOTA PUBLICA. Before her, a basket of roses; on each side a lighted torch with fillets. On the base, F. ZEICHNER F. Exergue, VINDOB. XI. MARTII MDCCCX.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Larueated head. On the lower part, ANDRIEU F.
Reverse. Two figures joining hands. Near one, IEROME NAP. ROI. WESTPH.; near the other, CATHARINE P. DE WURT. Exergue, ALLIANCE, MDCCCVII.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Larueated head. On the lower part, ANDRIEU F.
Reverse. ÉCOLÉS DE MÉDICINE. Aesculapius, with his usual attributes, and his sone, Telesphorus standing by him. Exergue, DENON DIREX. JOUANNIN.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Bust of Napoleon in uniform. Beneath, BRENET F.
Reverse. Two figures with the imperial standard between them. Napoleon grasps the flag with one hand, and mades a gesture of farewell with the other. An officer in uniform has one hand on the staff and holds the other to his eyes. Exergue, AVRIL MDCCCXIV.
Obverse. NAPOLEO GALL. IMP. ITAL. REX GERM. RUTH. BORUSSICUS. Head of Napoleon with the iron crown and a wreath of laurel. On the lower part, L. M. "Luigi Manfredini." Underneath, MEDIOLANI, MDCCCVI.
Reverse. SAXONIA LIBERATA BORUSSIS DELETIS. "Saxony delivered; the Prussians destroyed." Jupiter, seated on an eagle perched on the thunder, holds in one hand a sceptre, and with the other brandishes the lightning. Underneath, IENAE.
Medal struck at Milan.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Larueated head. On the lower part, ANDRIEU F.
Reverse. Hercules, bearing Victory in his arms, tramples on and crushes a fallen giant, whom he has vanquished. Exergue, BATAILLE DE WAGRAM. VI JUILLET MDCCCIX. DENON D. GALLE F.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Larueated head. On the lower part, ANDRIEU F.
Reverse. Hercules in his lion's skin smiting the Lapithae with his club. Two standing figures, one of whom is about to hurl a stone. Three prostate figures. Above is an eagle grasping a thunderbolt. Exergue, BATAILLE DE LA MOSKOWA. 7 SEPTEMBRE 1812. I. P. DROZ F.
Obverse. NAPOLEO MAGNUS GAL. IMP. IT. REX P. F. AUG. INVICTUS. Head of Napoleon, with the iron crown. Underneath, L. MANFREDINI F.
Reverse. HOSTIBUS UBIQUE FUSIS, CAESIS, CAPTIS. "The enemy everywhere routed, slain, taken." Victory, holding a thunderbolt and palm-branch. Exergue, MDCCCIX.
Medal struck at Milan, commemorative of the successes of the campaign of 1809.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMPEREUR. Exergue, DENON DIR. ANDRIEU F.
Reverse. LE SENAT ET LE PEUPLE. Napoleon in his imperial robes, holding a sceptre and the sword of Charlemagne, is elevated on a shield supported by two figures, representing the senate and the people. Behind the former is an open book, inscribed on each page, LOIS. Behind the latter is a plough. Exergue, AN XIII. DENON DIR. JEUFFROY F.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMPEREUR ET ROI. Laureated head. On the lower part, DROZ FECIT. Underneath, DENON DIREXIT. MDCCCVI.
Reverse. BATAILLE D'AUSTERLITZ. Thunderbolt; on its summit is a small statue of Napoleon, holding a globe and sceptre. Underneath, II. DEC. MDCCCV. XI FRIM. AN. XIV. JALEY F.
This is the last medal of the series on which mention is made of the Republican calendar, established 1793, abolished 1805.
Obverse. NAPOLEO IMP. FALL. IT. REX HOSPES DRESDAE. "Napoleon, Emperor of france, King of Italy, the guest of Dresden." Bust of Napoleon. On the lower part, HOE F. Underneath, D. XVII. JUL. MDCCCVII.
Reverse. FRID. AUGUST. REX SAXONIAE VARSOVIAE DUX. Bust of the king of Saxony with the insignia of the Legion of Honour. Underneath, HOECKNER F.
Obverse. NAPOLEON VENIT, VIDIT, VINCIT. Bust of Napoleon, with the imperial mantle, and the grand decoration of the Legion of Honour.
Reverse. HONNEUR ET PATRIE. Altar with robe, crown, sceptre, and staff-head in shape of a hand with two fingers extended. Exergue, COUR. L. H. FRIM. AN. XIII. JETTON.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Bust of Napoleon in uniform. Beneath, BRENET F.
Reverse. A figure holding a thunderbolt drives a chariot drawn by two winged horses. Behind the chariot are prisoners; beyond, on a bridge, are the flying enemy. Exergue, BATAILLE DE MONTEREAU. FEVRIER MDCCCXIV. BRENET F. DEN. D.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Laureated head of Napoleon. Above, a star. Before it, the thunder. Underneath, N. P. TIOLIER.
Reverse. ACAD. IMP. DES BX. ARTS DE FRANCE A ROME. View of the Villa Medici, or Academy of France. Exergue, G. G. LETHIERE DIRECTEUR. N. P. TIOLIER F. 1808. A she wolf, with two children.
Medal engraved at Rome.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Bust of Napoleon in uniform. Beneath, BRENET F.
Reverse. A pillar with the words above, CONSTITUT. FRANÇAISE. Below, a spread eagle in a wreath. Napoleon, with one hand on his sceptre, holds his other hand over the pillar. A warrior and a statement touch the pillar, each with one hand. Exergue, MDCCCXV. BRENET F. DENON D.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMPEREUR ET ROI. Laureated head.
Reverse. PAIX ET COMMERCE. Mercury sitting on a bale of goods, with a cornucopia reversed spilling at its side. Exergue, 1807.
Obverse. BONAPARTE 1R. C. D. L. R. F. PACIFICATEUR UNIVERSEL. Bust of the First Consul.
Reverse. HEROI BELLI PACISQUE. "To the hero of the war and peace." Bust of the First Consul on a pedestal, surrounded by military spoils. On one side, the God of Arts and Commerce places a crown on the bust. On the other side, the Genius of War points to the inscription on the pedestal, GALLIAE VINDEX. "The avenger of France." Exergue, MDCCCI.
Medal intended to commemorate the peace of Lunéville, signed the 9th February, 1801.
Obverse. BONAPARTE PREMIER CONSUL DE LA RÉEPUBLIQUE. Head of Napoleon. On each side flags, trumpets, muskets, etc., with a mortar and a drum below. Beneath the head, laurel, above an oblong in frame showing the battle. Exergue, BATAILLE DE MARENGO AN VIII. On base of frame, MONTAGNY F.
Reverse. Napoleon mounted, wielding a thunderbolt, in a mountain pass. Exergue, PASSAGE DE GD. ST. BERNARD. LE XXV FLORÉEAL AN VIII.
Obverse. NAPOLEO GALLOR IMP. ITAL. REX PROTECT. FOEDERAT. RHEN. Head of Napoleon. Behind, the thunder. Underneath, H. VASSALLO F.
Reverse. AGGRESSUS MAGNUM RESCINDERE COELUM. "He assaulted high heaven to destroy it." Enceladus overwhelmed under Mount Aetna. On the base, L. M. F. "Luigi Manfredini fecit." Exergue, AUSTRIACIS FULMINE DEIECTIS MDCCCIX. "The Austrians overwhelmed by the thunderbolt."
Medal struck at Milan, after the battle of Ratisbon."
Obverse. BUONAPARTE ITALICUS. Head of Napoleon in uniform. Below, H.
Reverse. HOHENLINDEN. MARENGO. Victor flying with laurel wreath and palm. Exergue, LUNÆVILLÆ AN IX. 1801. AMBRANI AN X. 1802. PACE TERRA MARIQUE DATA. "Peace given on land and sea."
Obverse. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE PRIMUS CONS. REIP. GALL. Laureated head of the First Consul. Underneath, LAVY.
Reverse. SUBALPINIS IMPERIO GALLORUM SOCIATIS. "The Piedmontese federated with the French Empire." A wreath of laurel, in the centre, VOTA PUBLICA. "The people's good wishes." Exergue, ATHENAEUM ET ACADEMIA TAUR. AN XI A REP. CONSTITUTA. "Athenaeum and Academy of Turin, established in the 11th year of the Republic."
Medal struck by the Academy of Turin.
Obverse. "Elisa, sister of the Emperor." Head of Princess Elisa.
Reverse. S. A. I. LA PRINCESSE ELISA, GRANDE DUCHESSE DE TOSCANE, VISITE LA MONNAIE DES MEDAILLES.
Obverse. Heads united in profile of Francis I and Maria Louisa, on one side; on the other, those of Napoleon and Maria Louisa. Underneath, F. STUCKHART.
Reverse. A female figure, sitting, and supporting two cornucopias crossed. On a scroll above, CONCORDIA. Exergue, MDCCCX.
Medal struck at Vienna.
Obverse. "Queen Caroline." Head of Queen Caroline. Below, BP.
Reverse. S. A. I. LA PRINCESSE CAROLINE, REINE DE NAPLES, VISITE LA MONNAIE DES MEDAILLES.
Obverse. NAPOLEON BONAPARTE PRIMUS CONS. REIP. GALL. Laureated head of the First Consul. Underneath, LAVY.
Reverse. SUBALPINIS IMPERIO GALLORUM SOCIATIS. "The Piedmontese federated with the French Empire." A wreath of laurel, in the centre, VOTA PUBLICA. "The people's good wishes." Exergue, ATHENAEUM ET ACADEMIA TAUR. AN XI A REP. CONSTITUTA. "Athenaeum and Academy of Turin, established in the 11th year of the Republic."
Medal struck by the Academy of Turin.
Obverse. NAPOLEONE RÉ D'ITALIA. Head of Napoleon with the iron crown. Underneath, LA ZECCA DI MILANO MAGGION MDCCCV.
Reverse. DIVENUTE COMPAGNE NELL' ORDINE NELLA FEDE NELLA PROSPERITÀ. Five shields, with arms of the five states composing the kingdom of Italy: the Milanese, the Venetian, the Legations, the Modenese, and the Novarrese with the Valteline.
Medal struck by the mint of Milan. Napoleon appears for the first time with the iron crown of the Lombard kings.
Obverse. FELICE PRINCIPE DI LUCCA E PIOMBINO. Head of Felice. Exergue, SANTARELLI F.
Reverse. ELISA PRINC. DI LUC. E PIOMB. GRAN. DUCHESSA DI TOSC. Exergue, SANTARELLI.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Larueated head. On the lower part, ANDRIEU F.
Reverse. A hussar riding over a fallen soldier, and pursuing one who is running away. On each side a piece of artillery abandoned. JEUFFROY F. DENON DIR. Exergue, BATAILLE DE LA MOSKOWA VII SEPTEMBRE MDCCCXII.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Larueated head. On the lower part, ANDRIEU F.
Reverse. ENTRÉE À MOSCOU. A view of the Kremlin; a French eagle is erected on the ramparts. Exergue, XIV SEPTEMBRE MDCCCXII.
Obverse. NAPOLEON EMP. ET ROI. Larueated head. On the lower part, ANDRIEU F.
Reverse. An eagle, its wings fluttering with exultation, and holding the thunderbolt or lightning in its talons, is crowned by Victory. Underneath, the letter N surrounded with rays. DENON D. JALEY F.
Medal allusive to the successes of the French arms in 1807.
Obverse. IMP. NAPOLEON. P. F. A. REX ITAL. Bust of Napoleon, with the imperial mantle, and the grand decorations of the Legion of Honour. Underneath, H. VASSALO. F.
Reverse. FELICI FAUSTOQ. ADVENTUI. "To the happy and fortunate entry." A bust of Janus (emblem of the city of Genoa), set on a rostral column, to which is affixed a shield with the arms of the city. Various emblems of the arts and sciences are placed on each side. Exergue, III. KAL. JUL. MDCCCV. S. P. Q. LIGUR.
Medal struck to celebrate the arrival of Napoleon in Genoa, June 19, 1805, after the incorporation of the Ligurian Republic with France.
Obverse. NAPOLEON FRANÇOIS JOSPEH CHARLES ROI DE ROME. Head of infant. Exergue, XX MARS MDCCCXI. On base of bust, I SCHMIDT F.
Reverse. VIRTUS PRINCIPIS FIRMAMENTUM REIPUBLICAE. "The worth of the prince the stay of the commonwealth." Infant Hercules seated on cushion strangling two serpants.
Obverse. Victory, holding in one hand a palm-branch, with the other hand guides two horses in full speed over the rugged summit of a mountain; instead of her car, the Goddess stands on a cannon placed on a sledge: alluding to the manner in which the artillery was conveyed over the Alps. Exergue, L'ARMÉE FRANÇAISE PASSE LE ST. BERNARD. XXVIII FLORÉAL, AN VIII. MDCCC. DUBOIS F. DENON D.
Reverse. BATAILLE DE MARENGO. Eleven keys suspended on a ring. On each side, a palm-branch. Exergue, XXV PRAIRIAL, AN VIII. MDCCC.
The passage of Mount St. Bernard took place on the 18th of May, and the battle of Marengo on the 14th of June, 1800. The eleven keys allude to the number of fortresses surrendered to the French Army.
Obverse. ALEXANDER I. NAPOLEON I. Opposite busts of the two emperors. Underneath, ABRAMSON.
Reverse. NITEANT CELSI LUCIDA SIGNA POLI. "May the bright stars of the lofty pole shine resplendent." Exergue, two stars. CONGRESSUS AUGG. PRO. TILSAM, MEDIO, IN FLUM. NEME. D. XXVI JUN. MDCCCVII. "Interview of the emperors near Tilsit, in the middle of the river Niemen, on the 25th of June, 1807.
Medal engraved at Berlin.
Obverse. NAPOLEO GALLORUM IMPERATOR ITALIAE REX. Laureated head..
Reverse. ULTRO. "Voluntarily." Italy, holding a cornucopia, places the iron crown on the head of Napoleon, represented in the costume of a Roman senator in the act of swearing to observe the Constitution, which is lying on an altar. In the field, on one side of a caduceus, and on the other a helmet, emblems of peace and war. Exergue, D. XXIII MAII A. MDCCCV.
Included 10 portraits.
Comte d'.
General.
Duc de Castiglione, marshal of France.
Duc de Castiglione, marshal of France.
Marshal of France.
Comte de.
15 Thermidor, year VI of the Republic.
Included 3 portraits.
A55458
Marshall of France.
Included portrait.
Son of Josephine.
A55391
Son of Josephine.
A55393
Son of Josephine.
A55392
Marshal of France.
A55394
Duc de Belle Isle, marshal of France.
A55395
Comte.
2 Thermidor, year XI of the Republic.
A55396
Prince de Neufchâtel, duc de Valengin, prince de Wagram, marshal of France.
A55397
Prince de Neufchâtel, duc de Valengin, prince de Wagram, marshal of France.
A23046
Aide to Napoleon.
A55398
Marshal of France.
Signature.
A55399
Prince of Wahlstadt, Prussian field marshal.
A55400
Brother of Napoleon.
Prince de Canino.
A55401
Brother of Napoleon.
Prince de Canino.
A55402
Comte de Ghaisnes, marshal of France.
Included portrait.
A55403
Marshal of France.
A55404
Marshal of France.
A55405
Duc d'Isly, marshal of France.
A55406
Included 4 portraits.
A55407
Comte de, general under Napoleon, proclaimed the first Grenadier of France.
Included 5 portraits.
A55408
Comte, general at Hohenlinden and Marengo.
A55409
Comte, general at Hohenlinden and Marengo.
A55410
Captain of the flagship which conveyed Napoleon to Egypt in 1798.
A55411
Viscount, 2d marquis of Londonderry.
A55524
Marquis de, duc de Vicence.
Included portrait.
A55412
Baron, general.
A55414
General.
Year VII of the Republic.
A55415
Marshal of France and later King Charles XIV of Sweden.
A55496
Marshal of France and later King Charles XIV of Sweden.
A55497
Comte, general.
A55419
Comte d'Hunebourg, duc de Feltre, marshal of France, Minister of War.
A55416
Comte d'Hunebourg, duc de Feltre, marshal of France, Minister of War.
A55417
Comte d'Hunebourg, duc de Feltre, marshal of France, Minister of War.
A55418
Comte d'Hunebourg, duc de Feltre, marshal of France, Minister of War.
A23045
Comte d'Hunebourg, duc de Feltre, marshal of France, Minister of War.
A55769
Comte d'Hunebourg, duc de Feltre, marshal of France, Minister of War.
Letter, countersigned on left margin "NP" with the word "Accordé" in Napoleon's autograph.
A55563
Comte d'Hunebourg, duc de Feltre, marshal of France, Minister of War.
A55894
British admiral who conveyed Napoleon to St. Helena.
A55420
British admiral who conveyed Napoleon to St. Helena.
A55421
Lord, British vice-admiral.
A55422
A55455
Order of arrest, signed by Du Barran, Lacoste, Bayle, and others.
A55457
Comte, French general.
Included portrait.
A55423
"The Great Condé."
Included 6 portraits.
A55424
Private physician to Napoleon.
Included portrait.
A55425
Private physician to Napoleon.
A55426
Prince of Eckmühl, marshal, Minister of War during the "Hundred Days."
A55427
Prince of Eckmühl, marshal, Minister of War during the "Hundred Days."
A54013[1]
Prince of Eckmühl, marshal, Minister of War during the "Hundred Days."
A54013[2]
Prince of Eckmühl, marshal, Minister of War during the "Hundred Days."
A54013[4]
Prince of Eckmühl, marshal, Minister of War during the "Hundred Days."
A54013[5]
Duc.
A55428
Duc.
A55429
Comte.
A54012
Comte.
Document, signed "NP" on left margin.
A55560
A55430
General.
Year IV of the Republic.
Included 9 portraits.
A55431
General of artillery.
A55433
Comte d'Erlon, marshal of France.
A55435
Comte d'Erlon, marshal of France.
A55436
Comte, general, governor of Elba.
A55437
General.
A55438
Comte, general.
A55439
Comte, general.
A55440
French general.
A55442
French general.
A55441
Secretary of the Société Patriotique in Philadelphia.
Letter sent to French consul in Charleston, South Carolina.
A55443
Comte, French general.
Historical letter, includes portrait.
A55444
Duc de Frioul, French general.
A55445
Duc de Frioul, French general.
A55446
Comte, made marshal of France in 1851.
A55447
Baron, field secretary to Napoleon, author of "Memoirs of Napoleon."
A55448
Cardinal, archbishop of Lyons, uncle of Napoleon.
A55449
Duc d'Otrante, chief of police of Paris.
A55450
Duc d'Otrante, chief of police of Paris.
A55451
English Foreign Secretary.
A55452
General.
A55453
Included 6 portraits.
A55462
"The Great."
Document signed with impression of seal.
Included 7 portraits.
A55463
A55464
Comte de, marshal of France.
A55546
French Hellenist.
A55465
Comte, marshal of France.
A55467
Comte, marshal of France.
A55468
Baron, historical painter.
A55466
A55469
Baron.
A55470
Marquis de St. Cyr, marshal of France.
A55471
Marquis de St. Cyr, marshal of France.
A55472
Comte, general.
A55473
Marquis de.
Written in prison.
A55474
Marquis de.
Written in prison.
A54013[6]
Marquis de.
Written in prison.
A54013[7]
Marquis de.
A55475
A55476
A55477
Included portrait.
A55478
French general.
A55479
Daughter of Josephine and wife of Louis Bonaparte.
A55481
Daughter of Josephine and wife of Louis Bonaparte.
A55482
Daughter of Josephine and wife of Louis Bonaparte.
A55480
A55741
General.
A55483
Baron, French general.
A55484
Youngest brother of Napoleon.
A55485
Baron, general, aide to Ney.
A55486
Baron, general, aide to Ney.
A55487
Eldest brother of Napoleon.
Signed "Joseph" as King of Naples.
A55488
A55489
Includes English translation.
A35449
General.
A55490
Comte, marshal of France.
A55491
Comte, marshal of France.
A55492
Duc d'Abrantés, French general.
A55493
Duc d'Abrantés, French general.
A55494
An original manuscript descriptive of a visit to the island in 1827.
A55495
Duc de Valmy.
A55499
Duc de Valmy.
A55498
French general-in-chief in Egypt.
A55500
French general-in-chief in Egypt.
A55501
French general-in-chief in Egypt.
A55413
General.
A55502
Comte de, general.
A55503
A55432
Marquis de.
A55504
Baron, general at Waterloo.
A55506
Baron, general at Waterloo.
A55507
Baron, general at Waterloo.
A55505
Comte de, marshal.
A55508
A55570
Letter, signed "NP" on left margin, and 2 lines of autograph.
A55562
Baron, surgeon.
Included portrait.
A55509
Comte de, companion and historian of Napoleon at St. Helena.
Napoleon's "Memoirs" in the handwriting of Las Cases, with corrections in the autograph of Napoleon.
A55510
Comte de, companion and historian of Napoleon at St. Helena.
A55511
Marquis de, general.
A55512
Marquis de, marshal of France.
A55513
Marquis de, marshal of France.
A55514
Comte de, aide-de-camp to Napoleon.
A55515
Duc de Plaisance, appointed third Consul by Napoleon.
A55516
General.
A55517
A55518
Duc de Dantzic, marshal of France.
A55519
Duc de Dantzic, marshal of France.
A55520
Baron, general.
A55521
A55522
Comte de, marshal of France.
A55523
Document on vellum.
Included 10 portraits of Louis XIII and one of Mlle. de La Fayette.
A55526
Document on vellum.
A55525
A55527
A55528
Document of vellum.
Included 2 portraits.
A55529
A55460
A55461
Included portrait.
A55459
Brother of Napoleon.
A55531
Financier.
A55530
Letter in third person, unsigned.
A55532
Marquis de, Minister of State under Louis XIV.
A55533
Portrait included.
A55535
Duc de Tarente, marshal of France.
A55537
Duc de Tarente, marshal of France.
A55538
Duc de Tarente, marshal of France.
A55536
Marquis, marshal of France.
A55539
A55541
Included 5 portraits.
Includes seal.
A55540
Duc de Raguse.
A55543
Duc de Raguse.
A55542
Duc de Rivoli, prince d'Essling, marshal of France.
A55544
Duc de Rivoli, prince d'Essling, marshal of France.
A55545
Autograph. Included portrait.
A55547
A55696
Prussian field marshal.
A55548
Prussian field marshal.
Included portrait and illustrated cuttings.
A55549
Duc de Conegliano.
A55550
Baron.
A55552
Baron.
A55551
General.
A55553
Duc de Trévise, marshal of France.
A55554
Duc de Trévise, marshal of France.
A55555
A55556
A55557
A55558
A23047
A22357
A53872
Document on vellum, Brevet of Honor, presented by Napoleon, signed by General Berthier and Duc de Bassano.
A55561
A54310
A55898
A54011
A54767
A54771
A54770
A55695
A55697
A55564
A55565
Austrian general, morganatic husband of Marie Louise.
A55566
Lord, British admiral.
A55567
Count, Russian diplomat.
A55568
Duc d'Elchingen, marshal of France, prince de la Moskowa.
A55569
Duc d', called "Egalité.".
A55571
Duc de Reggio.
A55572
A55434
General.
A55573
General.
Pichegru's and Kellerman's signatures to a military document.
A55574
General.
A55575
Sister of Napoleon.
Prince, Polish general, marshal of France.
A55576
Diplomat in the service of Russia.
Included portrait.
A55577
Director general of the king's household.
A55578
Archbishop of Malines.
Included portrait.
A55579
A55580
Baron, general sent by Napoleon to arrest Pius VII.
A55581
General.
A55582
Comte, aide-de-camp to Napoleon.
A55583
Signed by Napoleon, Josephine, and others.
A55644
A55584
Marshal of France.
A55585
Duc de Massa, French statesman.
A55589
Duc de Massa, French statesman.
A55588
Duc de Massa, French statesman.
A55587
Duc de Massa, French statesman.
A55586
Marshal of France, aide-de-camp to Napoleon at Waterloo.
A55590
Comte, general.
A55591
Duc de, minister of Louis XVIII.
Included portrait.
A55592
Duc de, French diplomat and general.
Included portrait.
A55593
Document signed by Robespierre, Couthon, and Collot d'Herbois.
A55594
Comte de.
30 Prairial, year IX of the Republic.
A55595
Lieutenant-colonel.
A55596
English admiral.
A55597
General.
A55598
Représentant du Peuple.
Appointment of Dumeriel as secretary at Amiens.
A55599
Duc de Rovigo, French general.
A55601
Duc de Rovigo, French general.
Signed by Savary, Fouqoué, and others.
Duc de Rovigo, French general.
A55600
French statesman.
Included portrait.
A55602
General and Minister of War, commander-in-chief of the Army of the Pyrenees.
A55603
General and Minister of War, commander-in-chief of the Army of the Pyrenees.
A55604
Comte de, marshal of France.
Included portrait.
A55605
Comte de, diplomat and historian.
Included portrait.
A55606
Comte, marshal of France.
A55607
Comte, known as Abbé Sieyès, publicity member of the Directory.
A55609
Comte, known as Abbé Sieyès, publicity member of the Directory.
A55610
Comte, known as Abbé Sieyès, publicity member of the Directory.
Document signed also by Bernadotte and others.
A55608
Duc de Dalmatie, marshal of France.
A55611
Duc de Dalmatie, marshal of France.
A55612
Duc de Dalmatie, marshal of France.
A54013[3]
Daugher of Lucien Bonaparte.
Invitation to dinner.
A55613
Duc d'Albuféra, marshal of France.
A55614
Comte de, brother of Prince Talleyrand.
A55617
Duc de, prince de Bénévent.
A55616
Duc de, prince de Bénévent.
A55615
French tragedian.
Included portrait.
A55618
Baron, general of division.
A55619
A55620
Comte d'Unebourg, general.
A55621
Comte d'Unebourg, general.
A55622
Called duc de Bellune, marshal of France.
A55623
Duke of.
A55624
General.
Signed also by Hugel and Thiebaut, approved by Comte Dillon.
A55625
Included 5 portraits.
A55626
Oblong. Hinged lid. Translucent enamel and gilding; with figure and floral subjects. Silver mountings.
Oval. Hinged lid. Outer and inner surfaces of lid decorated with pastoral subjects in the Watteau style. Repousé and chased gold mountings.
Oblong. Hinged lid. Entire outer service in chiseled work, representing musical parties, flowers, and rocailles.
Oblong. Hinged lid. Panels of a chased diaper pattern and border designs in relief in gold of two tints.
Oval. Hinged lid. On lid and bottom enameled paintings of mythological subjects, and on sides eight framed panels depicting similar scenes.
Oblong. Hinged lid. On cover a miniature portrait in enamel of the brother of Louis XIV. Mountings in repousé gold.
Oblong. Round corners indented. Lid ornamented with a miniature attributed to Angelica Kaufmann and framed with half pearls and gold scrolls. Surface of box covered with red enamel. On engine-turned ground, bordered with incised scrolls in white enamel.
Louis XV style. Cupids, clouds forms, and trophies, painted on a background of gold. Lined with tortoise shell.
Louis XV style. Oblong. Hinged lid. The lid, sides and bottom paneled in grisaille and rose-color enamel, with pastoral subjects, framed in chased scrolls, on a ground of green opaque enamel. Borders and corners of entwined laurel leaves and festoons in fold of two tints.
Oblong. Hinged lid. The lid and sides enameled with subjects after Van Ostade, with borders of repoussé and chased gold. Elaborate thumb piece encrusted with brilliants.
Oval. Hinged lid. Over a chased pattern are pastoral subjects in brilliant and opaque enamel.
Rectangular. Hinged lid. Bordered with chasing, engraving, and white champlevé enamel. Reliefs on lid, ends, and sides in white and green enamel.
Oval. Hinged lid. On panels of lid, sides, and bottom rustic and domestic scenes in gold and silver. Borders in gold of two tints.
Oval. Hinged lid. Enameled miniature of classical figures, framed in chased gold, paneled with red enamel on engine-turned ground. Borders in gold of two tints.
With miniature portrait of Countess Bertrand, who accompanied Napoleon to St. Helena.
Ivory miniature after David, from original in collection of Prince Victor Napoleon.
Rectangular. Hinged lid. Top, bottom, and sides of bloodstone inlaid with engraved gold. Border designs in green enamel on gold ground. Maker's mark "D," with date 1759.
Early style Louis XVI. Oval. On lid, miniature marine view, after Joseph Vernet. On sides and bottom landscapes painted on ivory under crystal. Mountings in gold of two tints.
Irregular hexagon. Overlay design on top and sides, in pierced, repoussé, and chased gold.
Top and bottom of carnelian with carved shell pattern. Mountings of repoussé and chased gold.
On cover a small print in colors showing a table with a green cloth. On this lie Napoleon's cocked hat, and a map of Europe on which is his sword and an inkstand.
Miniature on ivory. Uniform hat and coat. Signed Lesreh. Box and mountings of rose gold. Lining of green velvet. The signature, evidently an anagram, may be that of Louis Hersent.
Cover set with a miniature of an old woman with a book.
In green gown and turban, head-dress.
Oil painting on copper.
In gown of rose silk and lace.
In cap and kerchief.
In court robe.
In blue coat.
In white wig with pink fillet.
In shepherdess hat and kerchief. From Eugène Le Brun collection.
In pink gown and white wig.
With loose curling hair and a red kerchief about her shoulders.
In white gown with brown scarf; seated in a garden.
In blue uniform, no hat.
In blue coat.
In gray coat and white wig.
In uniform with decorations; no hat.
Napoleon in uniform, standing amid sheaves of wheat.
In green gown and jeweled head-dress.
In uniform and white wig.
Full bust, in uniform, no hat; facing nearly front. Signed. In ormolu and wood frame.
Silhouette.
Half length, in uniform, no hat.
Full length.
Bust, profile to left, cocked hat. Oval medallion.
Aquatint in colors.
In dark suit with white collar and pink sash.
Silhouette.
Decorated with raised enamels on a blue ground.
With portraits of De Pompadour, Du Barry, and Parabère.
With portraits of Marie Antoinette, Princess de Lamballe, and Madame de Genlis.
Green and gold, with Napoleon medallion.
Surmounting a marble column, with ormolu mounts.
Napoleon, without hat, standing beside a pedestal on which is an open book and map.
Green marble and bronze base.
Napoleon in Directory costume, with hat and queue.
Eve of Austerlitz. Napoleon asleep, seated in a chair, arms folded, one foot on a scroll.
White marble base. The chair in gold bronze.
The well-known figure of Napoleon without curl on forehead.
Solid ebony base.
Aquatint by T. Sutherland after W. Heath.
Engraving by J. Couché after Swebach.
Woodcut by L. Capello of Turin. Broadside of text containing design of statue on pedastal with eagle and crown above.
Groups of small portraits. Napoleon III in centre.
Napoleon in profile, bareheaded, in dark green uniform with epaulettes. Signed "D.G. pxit."
In bronze and ebony frame.
Decorated porcelain, with Sevrés mark.
On wood base with ivory mounts.
With illuminated arms and figure of Napoleon as Emperor. Folio, St. Cloud, August 29, 1810, in contemporary tin case. Conferring the title of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor on Louis Hubert. With signature of Napoleon; also signed by Cambacérès, as High Chancellor.
Gilt enamel order, five-pointed star, crown and wreath. Profile of Napoleon on one side, eagle of France on the reverse.
Gilt metal set with rhinestones; head of a girl painted on the back.