Description
Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10
Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10 – Iconic Napoleonic Masterpieces
Few works of art capture the grandeur, historical significance, and sculptural mastery of the Napoleonic era as vividly as the Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10. These exceptional marble sculptures offer collectors a rare opportunity to acquire tangible pieces of European history, meticulously carved in the finest Carrara marble and representing one of the most illustrious dynasties in modern history.
Today, this extraordinary pair is available for acquisition through secure and widely recognized cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and other leading digital assets. This modern acquisition option allows collectors worldwide to invest in history while benefiting from the security, speed, and flexibility of blockchain technology.
Historical and Artistic Context Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10
The Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10 was almost certainly commissioned by Napoleon I himself, intended to symbolize imperial authority, dynastic ambition, and the prestige of the French Empire. Napoleon, whose famous words declared, “I am a true Roman Emperor; I am of the best race of the Caesars—those who are founders,” understood the importance of art in projecting power and legacy.
These sculptures were displayed in prominent locations during Napoleon’s reign, showcasing both the Emperor and his second wife, Empress Marie Louise, to courtiers and dignitaries. After Napoleon’s abdication, the busts entered the collection of his nephew, Napoleon III, and were exhibited at the Château de Compiègne, remaining symbols of imperial magnificence throughout the 19th century.
The Bust of Empress Marie Louise
The Empress Marie Louise bust is signed “GMR”, attributed to Gaetano Matteo Monti of Ravenna, a celebrated Italian sculptor renowned for his elegance and technical mastery in marble. Likely created around 1810 to commemorate Marie Louise’s marriage to Napoleon, this sculpture captures the Empress’s refined features, regal poise, and understated authority.
Monti’s delicate rendering highlights the subtle contours of her face, the gentle sweep of her hair, and the dignified posture befitting an Empress. Every detail demonstrates the sculptor’s meticulous approach, ensuring that the work remains a timeless example of Napoleonic portraiture. “Step into the world of timeless artistry! Browse our curated selection of exquisite sculptures, including rare imperial busts, see the full collection here.
The Bust of Emperor Napoleon
The Napoleon bust is attributed to Lorenzo Bartolini, one of the most esteemed sculptors of the Napoleonic era. Carved circa 1807, Bartolini’s work is characterized by extraordinary attention to anatomical accuracy, dynamic composition, and the symbolism of power.
From the intricately sculpted laurel wreath crowning Napoleon’s head to the nuanced portrayal of his facial muscles, every element reflects Bartolini’s mastery. This bust remains one of the finest representations of Napoleon in private hands, rivaled only by select examples in prominent museums such as Versailles and the Museo Correr in Venice.
Together, these sculptures form a harmonious pair that embodies the imperial majesty of Napoleon and the elegance of Empress Marie Louise.
Provenance and Historical Journey Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10
The Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10 has a distinguished provenance, reflecting its importance as historical artifacts:
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Commissioned by Napoleon I, Château de Compiègne (circa 1807–1810)
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Imperial collection of Napoleon III, Château de Compiègne
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Accompanied Empress Eugénie into exile in England
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Reunited by Parisian art dealer Élie Fabius in 1936
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Subsequent ownership in prominent private collections across Germany, Switzerland, and the United States
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Acquired by M.S. Rau, New Orleans
This rich history not only authenticates the pair but also elevates its cultural and investment value. Collectors are purchasing not just marble busts, but a direct connection to the Napoleonic legacy and the dynastic heritage of France.
Dimensions and Specifications Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10
Bust of Napoleon:
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Height: 30 9/16″ (77.65 cm)
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Width: 20″ (50.8 cm)
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Depth: 13 1/8″ (33.36 cm)
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Height on Base: 74 3/8″ (188.95 cm)
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Attributed to: Lorenzo Bartolini
Bust of Empress Marie Louise:
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Height: 30 1/16″ (76.36 cm)
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Width: 24″ (60.96 cm)
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Depth: 12 1/2″ (31.75 cm)
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Height on Base: 74″ (187.96 cm)
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Signed by: Gaetano Matteo Monti (“GMR”)
The matching bases enhance their visual presence, ensuring that the sculptures command attention in any setting.
Exhibitions and Scholarly Recognition Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10
The Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10 has been featured in prestigious exhibitions, including:
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Musée National de Malmaison, France
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Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris
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Palais National des Arts, Paris
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1939 New York World’s Fair
The busts are also extensively documented in academic literature on Napoleonic sculpture, 19th-century European art, and the works of Bartolini and Monti. This documentation confirms the pair’s authenticity, historical significance, and unparalleled artistry.
Why Collectors Treasure Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10
Owning the Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10 is a rare privilege for collectors and investors alike:
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Historical Significance: These busts represent two of the most iconic figures of European history.
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Artistic Mastery: Carved in the finest Carrara marble, showcasing supreme craftsmanship.
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Provenance: A documented lineage connecting Napoleon I, Napoleon III, and Empress Eugénie.
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Rarity: Few comparable imperial Napoleonic busts exist in private collections.
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Investment Potential: Exceptional historical and aesthetic value for long-term appreciation.
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Cryptocurrency Purchase Option: Available via Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and other trusted digital currencies, offering secure, global, and convenient acquisition.
Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10 with Cryptocurrencies
Today, collectors can acquire this extraordinary pair of sculptures using modern payment methods. Accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and other reputable cryptocurrencies ensures that international collectors can seamlessly purchase these historical masterpieces.
This innovative option combines the enduring allure of Napoleonic art with cutting-edge financial technology, creating a bridge between past and present. Whether you are a historian, art connoisseur, or investor, these sculptures represent an opportunity to hold a piece of world history in its most refined form.
The Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of the Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise Circa 1807-10 is more than a set of sculptures—it is a tangible connection to one of history’s most powerful dynasties, meticulously carved by master sculptors of the era. Their unmatched beauty, exceptional provenance, and availability for modern cryptocurrency purchase make them unparalleled acquisitions for serious collectors.
Secure this extraordinary pair today, and own not just art, but a piece of the Napoleonic legacy.
“Own History: Pair of Carrara Marble Busts of Emperor Napoleon and Empress Marie Louise – Now Available for Purchase with Trusted Cryptocurrencies!”
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