Trudon Napoléon wax bust in empire. During the Consulate period, Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) became aware of the importance of having his portrait on show to the French people. From sculptures to snuff boxes and fans, multiple objects bearing the effigy of the Emperor or representing imperial symbols constituted an extraordinary tool of propaganda for the Napoleonic legend. During the Restoration, however, Bonapartists hid and prepared their revenge, spreading seditious objects. The Emperor’s death in 1821 made him less dangerous in the eyes of Royalists and copies representing his main actions once again multiplied. The Second Empire (1852) made the imperial legend official with commissions of sculptures installed in public squares and paintings exhibited in museums. Although the Second Empire reestablished the official propaganda, the fall of the regime in 1870 put an end to the celebration of Napoleon for 20 years. Nationalist fervor rose again in the 1890s and since then, he has not ceased to be a heroic figure.
Approximate measurements in centimetres:
Height: 24cm