The throne of the emperor of France was sold for a record price
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The carved and gilded throne was estimated at only 80,000 euros. Such a low price was associated with disputes about its authenticity.
The throne of the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was sold at auction in the historic residence of the French monarchs of Fontainebleau for 500,000 euros.
For a long time it was believed that there are only five thrones of Napoleon. One was in the Tuileries Palace in Paris, the other in the Saint-Cloud castle, the third in the Senate, where it remains to this day, the fourth in the Legislative Building (now the National Assembly), the fifth in the City Hall of Paris.
However, experts have studied this lot for six months, and its authenticity did not cause them to doubt, and the history of the lot was documented.
According to the auction house, at the end of the 19th century, American philanthropist Michael Henry de Young donated this throne of Napoleon to the Museum of Fine Arts in San Francisco. According to the testimony of the patron of arts, he was bequeathed to him by a French relative who was part of the emperor’s circle of confidants.
Sold at auction, the throne is made in the same style as the throne from the Tuileries, but slightly different in size. The wooden parts are covered with gilding, and the monogram of Emperor N, topped with a crown, is embroidered on the back.
