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

25429

Napoleon Bonaparte Letter Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:225.00 USD Estimated At:900.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Napoleon Bonaparte Letter Signed
<B>Napoleon Bonaparte Letter Signed</B></I> "Napol." One page, 7" x 9", Schonbrun Castle, Vienna, Austria, June 24, 1809. This letter is written to Napoleon's stepson, Eugene de Beauharnais, whom he adopted in 1806. Eugene was Josephine's only son from a previous union, and Eugene grew very close to Napoleon after his and Josephine's marriage. The letter is addressed to "Mon Fils," of course, referring affectionately to "my son" Eugene. In the lower left corner we see the words "Au Viceroi," which refer to the "Viceroy." Napoleon appointed Eugene Viceroy of Italy in 1805. While he was excluded from succession under the French empire's system, he was given rights to the throne of Italy for himself and his male descendants, and was then given the title of Prince of Venice that was instituted by a decree for the Heir Presumptive to Napoleon in Italy. <BR><BR>This letter was written during the months in which Napoleon was fighting in Austria at Aspern-Essling near Vienna. A bloody battle was fought, on May 21 and 22 of 1809, at this location, which resulted in a draw, and was the closest Napoleon ever came to defeat when he faced equal opposition. Only days after this letter was written, the Battle of Wagram would be fought near Vienna where the French would prove victorious and quell the Austrian uprising all together. This Napoleon letter to a close family member is a fantastic find. He closes the letter with "Votre Affectueux Pere" (Your Affectionate Father). Very fine condition; usual folds are present. The letter is framed and matted with gilt fillets alongside a handsome engraving of Napoleon and a small plaque bearing his name to an overall size of 23" x 21".
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