LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25437

Josephine Bonaparte Document Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Josephine Bonaparte Document Signed
<B>Josephine Bonaparte Document Signed.</B></I> "<I>Tascher Lapagerie Bonaparte</B></I>", one page, 7" x 9.75", Malmaison, 1 Prairial, (May 21, 1801). In this handsome document, Josephine's signature extends over 4.5" and is very dark and clear. Written in French, the document reads: "I the undersigned Marie Josephine Tascher de LaPagerie, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul, in the name of and as mother and tutor of Eugene-Rose and Hortense Eugenie Beauharnais, state that the late Francois Beauharnais their grandfather…" (the rest begins to be indecipherable). This variant of her signature is quite rare, and in this exquisite condition is perfect for display. Accompanied by a gorgeous color engraving of the famous lover of Napoleon. This Creole beauty was born in Martinique, and married Vicomte Alexandre de Beauharnais early on, and bore him two children, Eugene and Hortense, who are mentioned in this document. Napoleon fell in love with Josephine and pursued her relentlessly until they were married in a civil ceremony in 1796. Despite Napoleon's undying passion and devotion to her, she was not faithful to her adoring husband, and eventually the marriage was dissolved in 1809 so that Napoleon could marry the Austrian Arch-Duchess, Marie Louise and produce a male heir. She would die before Napoleon's downfall at Waterloo. Her age, temperament, and inability to produce a male heir was likely the cause of their break, however, their love affair is still famous for its fevered intensity and documented torment. In fine condition; light overall toning; weak vertical folds; moderate wear on the right edge; paper bears water mark and makers mark.
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