"Translation of Napoleon's Body", watercolored lithographs, 1840
A rare set of nine watercolored lithographs, published in Paris by Brioude, Bd Poissonnière 14, documenting one of the most symbolically significant events in 19th-century France: the return of Napoleon Bonaparte's ashes from Saint Helena and their transfer to Les Invalides (December 15, 1840), a ceremony ordered by Louis Philippe d'Orléans.
Each plate depicts a scene from the grand funeral procession that crossed Paris; the images are enriched with hand-painted watercolors.
Entrée triomphale – The entrance ceremony with temporary architecture and French flags.
Le Char Funèbre – The grand horse-drawn hearse, decorated with drapes and Napoleonic symbols.
Défilé militaire – Troops marching alongside the procession.
Passage des Invalides – The procession approaching the Hôtel des Invalides.
Cérémonie et dépôt aux Invalides – The symbolic deposition in front of the Dôme church.
Pont de la Concorde – The procession crossing the bridge with the people waiting.
Place de la Concorde – The crowd and fountains of Place de la Concorde with the obelisk in the background.
These lithographs, rare and of great documentary interest, represent one of the most significant iconographic cycles dedicated to the “retour des cendres”.
