A 19th century gilt bronze model of the Napoleon Vendome Column, Paris. Officially titled the “Colonne de la Grande Armée” it was seen as the most important symbol of Paris during the 19th century and its complex history explains why.
In 1803 the First Consul confirmed the plan to erect a column in Vendôme equal to that of the Roman column of Trajan. The columns design was undertaken by Lepère and Gondoin, made from melting 1200 Austrian and Russian artillery pieces won in the recent campaigns. The inscription at the base reads: ‘Monument erected to the glory of Napoleon the Great’s Grande Armée, begun on 25 August 1806 and finished 15 August 1810’.
The column itself comprises of a stone core enrobed with 425 bronze plaques fixed to the stone with pins. Designed by Bergeret the 280 metre-long frieze (or plaques), wrap around the column depicting the major events of the recent campaign. The column begins at the camp in Boulogne and ends with the return of the Emperor and his guard in 1806. Sculptures such as Boizot, Bosio, Bartolini, Ramey, Rude, Corbet, Clodion and Ruxthiel were all commissioned to execute this frieze.
Initially the column was crowned with a statue by Chaudet of The Emperor in Roman dress but was taken down by the Allies in 1814 and replaced by a flag bearing the fleurs de lys. It was then under the July Monarchy a further replacement statue was made by Seurre showing Napoleon as the ‘Little Corporal’ (a statue today held in the Invalides). Eventually during the Second Empire, a copy of Chaudet’s initial statue designed by Dumont was hoisted to the top of the column to replace the unpopular “Little Corporal” by Seurre.
The column was targeted one final time and dismantled during the “Commune” under the direction of Gustave Courbet due to it being a symbol of militarism and imperialism. Then in 1873 it was finally re-erected and restored to its former glory with Courbet being ordered to pay the costs for this himself, which payment was received as Courbet died shortly after.
This stunning bronze manages to transfer the history, skill and pride all associated to the original column with its flawless attention to detail. A beautiful, well executed bronze period piece.
18 in. (46cm) high $3500
