On Behalf of Napoleon - I Object!

 There is a new pirate movie to look forward to next year.

It has a very funny preview in the theater's right now.

On the way out of the theatre I came across their larger than life display and what do I see in the corner?  

Napoleon Blownapart. 

I wonder if this is because there will be a Napoleon character in the movie.

Or is it because even in 2012...

Napoleon's name is larger than life?

Napoleon Quiz Post

 I get a number of emails every month asking me if I know about the history of a piece or where it could be researched.  Sadly, I have no advice to give.  But some of my readers might know!  So here is an item that needs your help.  Do you know anything about it?

From an egg collector!  

With the little stand (it's attached) the entire piece is about 5" 

tall. The egg has a big "N" painted on the side opposite of the portrait 

of Napoleon. The egg inside the egg shaped "cage" appears to be 

made out of wood and does come out of the cage. 

(It has a small hole in it and rests on a small spike.)

It was purchased about 50 years ago from an antiques dealer in NYC. 

If anyone has any information about this I am sure the collector would be thrilled!  Leave a comment if you do!

Happy Coronation Day!

 

"To be a king is to inherit old ideas and genealogy. I don't want to descend from anyone... The title of Emperor is greater..."

 Here is something I just discovered online today about this coronation balloon.


The balloon of the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte, 2 December 1804.

An unmanned balloon, ablaze with 3,000 lights forming an Imperial crown was launched from the front of Notre Dame cathedral as part of the coronation celebrations. André-Jaçques Garnerin was paid the sum of 23,500 francs for the construction and launching of the large balloon. The balloon came to earth in Lake Bracciano near Rome 46 hours later. Napoleon considered this another omen of his destiny and suggested that the balloon be put on display in Rome with an account of the "extraordinary event".