Napoleon collection sells at auction for US$10 million
A Napoleon hat is on display in an exhibition of Napoleon's belongings created by French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac at the Sotheby's auction house in Paris Thursday, June 19, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Paris, France -- A massive trove of artwork and curios linked to Napoleon Bonaparte, including one of his iconic bicorne hats, has sold for more than US$10 million in Paris, an auction house said.
Sotheby's said it had originally estimated the more than 110 items of Napoleonic memorabilia that it sold on Wednesday at around $7 million.
Famous paintings of the 19th-century French emperor, gilded imperial furniture and a copy of the marriage certificate between Napoleon and his wife Josephine were among the items up for auction.
Relics linked to Napoleon regularly come up for sale at auction in France in a flourishing trade marked by intense interest from collectors.
The vast collection also included Napoleon's first will written while in exile on the Atlantic island of Saint Helena, and the sword and staff used for his coronation at Paris' famed Notre Dame Cathedral in 1804.
Napoleon was exiled to Saint Helena in 1815 after his defeat by the British at the Battle of Waterloo. He died there six years later.
French collector Pierre-Jean Chalencon, a former star of a French antiques television show who dubs himself 'Napoleon's press officer,' assembled the collection over four decades.
Born in a Parisian suburb, Chalencon started his collection at the age of 13 and accumulated more than 1,000 objects, including a coronation ring and a piece of the emperor's coffin.
At a different Parisian auction in late May, one of Napoleon's sabres sold for 4.6 million euros, coming close to a new record price for a Napoleonic artifact.
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One of the world's coolest hotels has stepped into the loungewear category for the second time. SO/ Paris – a contemporary property from Accor and restaurant group Paris Society – just dropped another collaboration with Berlin-based label Tom Àdam. Article content The luxe hotel has become somewhat of a hotspot in recent years, known for its refined, chic decor and breathtaking view of the Seine River. Every inch of the place feels like a magazine editorial, blending art deco and futurism with a rustic orange and gold tone palette. It's easy to see why the place has become a fashion week fixture on the social calendar. Article content Article content Article content Article content The latest SO/ x Tom Àdam collaboration plays on the colour scheme of the hotel's river view, blending both the relaxed and sophisticated vibes of the SO/ brand. The center of the collection is the two-piece loungewear set ($470) in navy blue, made out of cozy and sustainable Tencel. The hotel's logo is subtly embroidered on the front pocket for an 'if you know, you know' nod to the SO/ Paris. Our favourite part of this set is the pieces can easily be worn out-and-about, as well as styled with jeans (or whatever you like) – or kept as a pajama set. Article content The true star of the line, however, is the matching navy blue sleep mask ($95) which guarantees a good night's sleep at the hotel and beyond. Packaged in a matching and reusable drawstring bag, this accessory is an easy one to travel with or lovely to gift a friend. Also made of Tencel, the mask is adjustable for comfort and breathable for sensitive skin. The line follows the orange-themed collaboration from last year, which also included a pajama set and striped sleep mask. Article content Article content Conveniently located steps from the Sully-Morland Metro station between Bastille and Le Marais, the SO/ Paris is a rare ultra-modern hotel experience in the French capital that doesn't compromise on Parisian style. Attention to detail is at the core of the experience as soon as you enter the doors; guests are welcomed with a signature non-alcoholic refresher made of rhubarb, pineapple and rose to set the stage. Patou-designed staff uniforms are also a nice touch, playing into the curated experience of the hotel.
