HERMÈS Scarf Napoléon By Philippe Ledoux 1963 Collector W/Box
An imperial magnificent Napoléonic scarf. This scarf was designed by Philippe Ledoux in 1963 and has never been reissued. It is made with brocade silk with Napoleonic bees. Hermès has used brocaded silk for very few scarves, which contributes to the rarity of this scarf, sought after by collectors. Powder beige border, soft off-white background with a combination of multi colours, blue, brown, gold and black.
This scarf is an intriguing combination of imperial symbolism and Napoleonic legend. Mounted on a background of golden bees, the design brings together all of the typical elements: two French flags and their imperial eagles, besides which hang the First Consul dresscoat (left) and Napoleon’s chasseur à cheval uniform (right). Further down the design, the First Consul and Coronation swords can be seen, as well as the Grand Collier of the Légion d’Honneur, two sabres from the Egyptian campaign and, most importantly, the mythical bicorne hat. Five lockets, inspired by some of the most famous paintings depicting the period, evoke the great moments of the Emperor’s life: top-left, the Crossing of the St Bernard Pass (by Jacques-Louis David); top-right, the presentation of honorary sabres at Marengo (by Antoine Gros); bottom-left, Napoleon injured at Ratisbon (by Pierre-Claude Gautherot); bottom-right, the Battle of Wagram (by Horace Vernet). At the centre is a depiction of the arrival at the coronation ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral on 2 December 1804 (taken from an engraving in the Livre du Sacre). Plotting a course halfway between glorification and legend, the Napoleon scarf is the perfect embodiment of Hermès’s exploration and exploitation of the imperial iconographic canon.‘Must-Have’ for every Napoléon admirers and collectors.
Condition: Very Good
Material: 100% Silk
Brand: HERMÈS
Size: 90 x 90 cm
Year: 1963
Place of Origin: Made in France
Colour: Powder beige, Multi
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