- 138
Napoleon I.
Estimate
2,000 - 2,500 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Important letter signed ("Napoleon"), to Eugène de Beauharnais, Viceroy of Italy
- ink on paper
about the reorganisation of the army in the new Kingdom of Italy in particular "les deux bataillons de ma Garde" under a single new administration, including guards of honour drawn from the best families in Milan, Bologna, Brescia and [Emilia-] Romagna, giving details of the companies and their forces (60 horse and 40 foot), two batallions of 75 foot-soldiers each and an artillery company of 60 horse and 60 foot, stipulating the overall cost at one and a half million francs, explaining his wish to reform the morale of the force ("...mon but, en appellant ainsi les jeunes gens des principales familles est de faire une révolution dans les moeurs..."), 2 pages, folio, Castello di Montirone (Brescia), 14 June 1805
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Napoleon made himself King of Italy on 17 March 1805; he made his step-son Eugène de Beauharnais (1782-1824) Viceroy on 5 June 1806. This important letter details the reorganization of Napoleon's personal guard. Eugène was the son from Josephine's first marriage and Napoleon adopted him as his own son on 12 January 1806 and thereafter addressed him as "mon fils". The Castello di Montirone, near Brescia, was the home of Giuseppe Lechi, who had fought alongside Joseph Bonaparte.