For his coronation in 1804, Napoleon wore a crown of gold laurel leaves made by the goldsmith Martin-Guillaume Biennais. Finding it too heavy, he had six leaves taken off, and Biennais gave one to each of his daughters. The crown was melted down in 1819. One of those leaves was sold at auction in Fontainebleau in 2017 for €625,000. Ours is a single laurel leaf on a fine chain.
Measured drawing · RL-020
Provenance
Gold laurel crown made by Martin-Guillaume Biennais for Napoleon’s coronation
First French Empire · 1804
Icons · RL-020
Napoleon Laurel Leaf
A leaf from the coronation crown
€125
Provenance
- Based on
- Gold laurel crown made by Martin-Guillaume Biennais for Napoleon’s coronation
- Culture
- First French Empire
- Period
- 1804
- Region
- Paris, France
- Reference
- Museum and inventory number published on the card once verified.
Our piece isAn interpretationThe original’s form, changed where needed so it can be worn every day.
Details
- Dimensions
- Leaf 3.5 cm · chain 45 cm
- Weight
- 4 g
Materials & care
Nickel-free, tested to EN 1811. Store in the pouch, away from perfume and chlorine. Silver darkens with time; a soft cloth brings it back. Vermeil can be re-plated by us at cost.
Shipping & returns
Tracked shipping across Europe, free on orders over €150. Made to order: ships in about 6 weeks. Return any piece within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.