Latest news with #Sotheby's
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat up for sale in Paris
Over 100 relics of the man who shaped empires, broke hearts and spawned centuries of fascination — are on display in Paris ahead of what experts call one of the most important Napoleonic auctions ever staged. Two centuries after his downfall, Napoleon remains both revered and controversial in France. Polls have shown that many admire his vision and achievements, while others condemn his wars and authoritarian rule. Nearly all agree his legacy still shapes the nation. "These are not just museum pieces. They're fragments of a life that changed history," said Louis-Xavier Joseph from Sotheby's who helped assemble the trove. "You can literally hold a piece of Napoleon's world in your hand." The auction — aiming to make in excess of 7 million euros ($A12 million) — is a biography in objects. The centrepiece is Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat, the black felt chapeau he wore in battle — with wings parallel to his shoulders — so soldiers and enemies could spot him instantly through the gunpowder haze. The hat is estimated to sell for at least over half a million dollars. It also includes the red portfolio that once contained Napoleon's divorce decree from Josephine, the religious marriage certificate that formalised their love and a dressing table designed for the empress. Her famed mirror reflects the ambition and tragedy of their alliance. "Napoleon was a great lover; his letters that he wrote are full of fervor, of love, of passion," Joseph said. "It was also a man who paid attention to his image. Maybe one of the first to be so careful of his image, both public and private." A 2023 biopic grossed over $220 million worldwide and reanimated Napoleon's myth for a TikTok generation hungry for stories of ambition, downfall and doomed romance. The auction preview is open to the public, with the auction set for June 25. The exhibition is a spectacle crafted by celebrity designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, famed for dressing Lady Gaga and Pope John Paul II. He's filled the show with fog, hypnotic music and immersive rooms. One is inspired by the camouflage colours of Fontainebleau. Another is anchored by Napoleon's legendary folding bed. Over 100 relics of the man who shaped empires, broke hearts and spawned centuries of fascination — are on display in Paris ahead of what experts call one of the most important Napoleonic auctions ever staged. Two centuries after his downfall, Napoleon remains both revered and controversial in France. Polls have shown that many admire his vision and achievements, while others condemn his wars and authoritarian rule. Nearly all agree his legacy still shapes the nation. "These are not just museum pieces. They're fragments of a life that changed history," said Louis-Xavier Joseph from Sotheby's who helped assemble the trove. "You can literally hold a piece of Napoleon's world in your hand." The auction — aiming to make in excess of 7 million euros ($A12 million) — is a biography in objects. The centrepiece is Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat, the black felt chapeau he wore in battle — with wings parallel to his shoulders — so soldiers and enemies could spot him instantly through the gunpowder haze. The hat is estimated to sell for at least over half a million dollars. It also includes the red portfolio that once contained Napoleon's divorce decree from Josephine, the religious marriage certificate that formalised their love and a dressing table designed for the empress. Her famed mirror reflects the ambition and tragedy of their alliance. "Napoleon was a great lover; his letters that he wrote are full of fervor, of love, of passion," Joseph said. "It was also a man who paid attention to his image. Maybe one of the first to be so careful of his image, both public and private." A 2023 biopic grossed over $220 million worldwide and reanimated Napoleon's myth for a TikTok generation hungry for stories of ambition, downfall and doomed romance. The auction preview is open to the public, with the auction set for June 25. The exhibition is a spectacle crafted by celebrity designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, famed for dressing Lady Gaga and Pope John Paul II. He's filled the show with fog, hypnotic music and immersive rooms. One is inspired by the camouflage colours of Fontainebleau. Another is anchored by Napoleon's legendary folding bed. Over 100 relics of the man who shaped empires, broke hearts and spawned centuries of fascination — are on display in Paris ahead of what experts call one of the most important Napoleonic auctions ever staged. Two centuries after his downfall, Napoleon remains both revered and controversial in France. Polls have shown that many admire his vision and achievements, while others condemn his wars and authoritarian rule. Nearly all agree his legacy still shapes the nation. "These are not just museum pieces. They're fragments of a life that changed history," said Louis-Xavier Joseph from Sotheby's who helped assemble the trove. "You can literally hold a piece of Napoleon's world in your hand." The auction — aiming to make in excess of 7 million euros ($A12 million) — is a biography in objects. The centrepiece is Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat, the black felt chapeau he wore in battle — with wings parallel to his shoulders — so soldiers and enemies could spot him instantly through the gunpowder haze. The hat is estimated to sell for at least over half a million dollars. It also includes the red portfolio that once contained Napoleon's divorce decree from Josephine, the religious marriage certificate that formalised their love and a dressing table designed for the empress. Her famed mirror reflects the ambition and tragedy of their alliance. "Napoleon was a great lover; his letters that he wrote are full of fervor, of love, of passion," Joseph said. "It was also a man who paid attention to his image. Maybe one of the first to be so careful of his image, both public and private." A 2023 biopic grossed over $220 million worldwide and reanimated Napoleon's myth for a TikTok generation hungry for stories of ambition, downfall and doomed romance. The auction preview is open to the public, with the auction set for June 25. The exhibition is a spectacle crafted by celebrity designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, famed for dressing Lady Gaga and Pope John Paul II. He's filled the show with fog, hypnotic music and immersive rooms. One is inspired by the camouflage colours of Fontainebleau. Another is anchored by Napoleon's legendary folding bed. Over 100 relics of the man who shaped empires, broke hearts and spawned centuries of fascination — are on display in Paris ahead of what experts call one of the most important Napoleonic auctions ever staged. Two centuries after his downfall, Napoleon remains both revered and controversial in France. Polls have shown that many admire his vision and achievements, while others condemn his wars and authoritarian rule. Nearly all agree his legacy still shapes the nation. "These are not just museum pieces. They're fragments of a life that changed history," said Louis-Xavier Joseph from Sotheby's who helped assemble the trove. "You can literally hold a piece of Napoleon's world in your hand." The auction — aiming to make in excess of 7 million euros ($A12 million) — is a biography in objects. The centrepiece is Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat, the black felt chapeau he wore in battle — with wings parallel to his shoulders — so soldiers and enemies could spot him instantly through the gunpowder haze. The hat is estimated to sell for at least over half a million dollars. It also includes the red portfolio that once contained Napoleon's divorce decree from Josephine, the religious marriage certificate that formalised their love and a dressing table designed for the empress. Her famed mirror reflects the ambition and tragedy of their alliance. "Napoleon was a great lover; his letters that he wrote are full of fervor, of love, of passion," Joseph said. "It was also a man who paid attention to his image. Maybe one of the first to be so careful of his image, both public and private." A 2023 biopic grossed over $220 million worldwide and reanimated Napoleon's myth for a TikTok generation hungry for stories of ambition, downfall and doomed romance. The auction preview is open to the public, with the auction set for June 25. The exhibition is a spectacle crafted by celebrity designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, famed for dressing Lady Gaga and Pope John Paul II. He's filled the show with fog, hypnotic music and immersive rooms. One is inspired by the camouflage colours of Fontainebleau. Another is anchored by Napoleon's legendary folding bed.
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat up for sale in Paris
Over 100 relics of the man who shaped empires, broke hearts and spawned centuries of fascination — are on display in Paris ahead of what experts call one of the most important Napoleonic auctions ever staged. Two centuries after his downfall, Napoleon remains both revered and controversial in France. Polls have shown that many admire his vision and achievements, while others condemn his wars and authoritarian rule. Nearly all agree his legacy still shapes the nation. "These are not just museum pieces. They're fragments of a life that changed history," said Louis-Xavier Joseph from Sotheby's who helped assemble the trove. "You can literally hold a piece of Napoleon's world in your hand." The auction — aiming to make in excess of 7 million euros ($A12 million) — is a biography in objects. The centrepiece is Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat, the black felt chapeau he wore in battle — with wings parallel to his shoulders — so soldiers and enemies could spot him instantly through the gunpowder haze. The hat is estimated to sell for at least over half a million dollars. It also includes the red portfolio that once contained Napoleon's divorce decree from Josephine, the religious marriage certificate that formalised their love and a dressing table designed for the empress. Her famed mirror reflects the ambition and tragedy of their alliance. "Napoleon was a great lover; his letters that he wrote are full of fervor, of love, of passion," Joseph said. "It was also a man who paid attention to his image. Maybe one of the first to be so careful of his image, both public and private." A 2023 biopic grossed over $220 million worldwide and reanimated Napoleon's myth for a TikTok generation hungry for stories of ambition, downfall and doomed romance. The auction preview is open to the public, with the auction set for June 25. The exhibition is a spectacle crafted by celebrity designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, famed for dressing Lady Gaga and Pope John Paul II. He's filled the show with fog, hypnotic music and immersive rooms. One is inspired by the camouflage colours of Fontainebleau. Another is anchored by Napoleon's legendary folding bed.
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Portrait of Oasis brothers to go on sale in London
A 1996 portrait of brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher at the height of their Oasis fame heads to auction next week as the siblings prepare to start a series of reunion gigs, reported Reuters. Painted by US artist Elizabeth Peyton, Liam + Noel (Gallagher) is based on a promotional photograph of the siblings taken the year before and depicts them "in a moment of intimacy and repose", according to Sotheby's. Like the photo, the painting, which was made after Oasis' historic 1996 Knebworth gigs, depicts Liam resting his chin on Noel's shoulder. In the photo, Liam has his thumbs up, but not in the painting. The work is being offered at Sotheby's "Modern & Contemporary Evening Auction" in London on June 24 with a price estimate of 1.5 million to 2 million pounds ($2 million – $2.69 million). "It's a beautiful circular moment for the painting... This was made in 1996, on the eve of their then biggest ever concert at Knebworth," Antonia Gardner, head of Contemporary Evening Sale, told Reuters on Wednesday. "And now this is coming back into the market, coming back into the spotlight... on the eve of their incredible... tour." Oasis made their debut with 1994's Definitely Maybe before finding international stardom with their second studio album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? released in 1995. It went on to sell 22 million copies worldwide and was the band's breakthrough in the United States. As well as Liam + Noel (Gallagher), other paintings on offer at next week's sale include Tara de Lempicka's La Belle Rafaela and Pablo Picasso's Nu assis dans un fauteuil, both with estimates of 6 million – 9 million pounds. The Gallaghers' volatile relationship often made headlines. The group split in 2009 when lead guitarist and main songwriter Noel said he could no longer work with brother and frontman Liam after a number of public spats. However, last August, the brothers announced they would reunite for a series of gigs in the summer of 2025, bringing an end to years of speculation. The announcement marked a frenzy of fans rushing to book tickets online, resulting in ticket websites crashing, unable to cope with the surge in demand. News of the reunion tour also also led to instances of UK fans alleging they were scammed out of cash in exchange for gig tickets. According to details listed on the Ticketmaster website, the tour will see Oasis performing in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin from July to September. The concerts are due to kick off in Cardiff on July 4.
Globe and Mail
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat and personal treasures expected to fetch millions in Paris
After Hollywood's Napoleon exposed the legendary emperor to a new generation, more than 100 relics – which shaped empires, broke hearts and spawned centuries of fascination – are on display in Paris ahead of what experts call one of the most important Napoleonic auctions ever staged. His battered military hat. A sleeve from his red velvet coat. Even the divorce papers that ended one of history's most tormented romances – with Josephine, the empress who haunted him to the end. Two centuries after his downfall, Napoleon remains both revered and controversial in France – but above all, unavoidable. Polls have shown that many admire his vision and achievements, while others condemn his wars and authoritarian rule. Nearly all agree his legacy still shapes the nation. 'These are not just museum pieces. They're fragments of a life that changed history,' said Louis-Xavier Joseph, Sotheby's head of European furniture, who helped assemble the trove. 'You can literally hold a piece of Napoleon's world in your hand.' The auction – aiming to make in excess of €7-million (roughly $11-million) – is a biography in objects. The centrepiece is Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat, the black felt chapeau he wore in battle – with wings parallel to his shoulders – so soldiers and enemies could spot him instantly through the gunpowder haze. 'Put a bicorne on a table, and people think of Napoleon immediately,' Mr. Joseph said. 'It's like the laurel crown of Julius Caesar.' The hat is estimated to sell for more than half a million dollars. For all the pageantry – throne, swords, the Grand Eagle of the Legion of Honor – the auction's true power comes from its intimacy. It includes the handwritten codicil of Napoleon's final will, composed in paranoia and illness on St. Helena. There is the heartbreakingly personal: the red portfolio that once contained his divorce decree from Josephine, the religious marriage certificate that formalized their love and a dressing table designed for the empress. Her famed mirror reflects the ambition and tragedy of their alliance. 'Napoleon was a great lover; his letters that he wrote are full of fervour, of love, of passion,' Mr. Joseph said. 'It was also a man who paid attention to his image. Maybe one of the first to be so careful of his image, both public and private.' The auction's timing is cinematic. The 2023 biopic grossed more than US$220-million worldwide and reanimated Napoleon's myth for a TikTok generation hungry for stories of ambition, downfall and doomed romance. The auction preview is open to the public, running through June 24, with the auction set for June 25. Not far from the Arc de Triomphe monument dedicated to the general's victories, Djamal Oussedik, 22, shrugged: 'Everyone grows up with Napoleon, for better or worse. Some people admire him, others blame him for everything. But to see his hat and his bed, you remember he was a real man, not just a legend.' 'You can't escape him, even if you wanted to. He's part of being French,' said teacher Laure Mallet, 51. The exhibition is a spectacle crafted by celebrity designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, famed for dressing Lady Gaga and Pope John Paul II. 'I wanted to electrify history,' Mr. Castelbajac said. 'This isn't a mausoleum, it's a pop-culture installation. Today's collectors buy a Napoleon artifact the way they'd buy a guitar from Jimi Hendrix. They want a cabinet of curiosities.' He's filled the show with fog, hypnotic music and immersive rooms. One is inspired by the camouflage colours of Fontainebleau. Another is anchored by Napoleon's legendary folding bed. 'I create the fog in the entrance of the Sotheby's building because the elements of nature were an accomplice to Napoleon's strategy,' the designer said. Mr. Castelbajac, who said his ancestor fought in Napoleon's Russian campaign, brought a personal touch. 'I covered the emperor's bed in original canvas. You can feel he was just alone, facing all he had built. There's a ghostly presence.' He even created something Napoleon only dreamed of. 'Napoleon always wanted a green flag instead of the blue, white, red Tricolour of the revolution,' he said, smiling. 'He never got one. So I made it for Sotheby's.'
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat and personal treasures expected to fetch millions in Paris
PARIS -- After Hollywood's 'Napoleon' exposed the legendary emperor to a new generation, over 100 relics — which shaped empires, broke hearts and spawned centuries of fascination — are on display in Paris ahead of what experts call one of the most important Napoleonic auctions ever staged. His battered military hat. A sleeve from his red velvet coat. Even the divorce papers that ended one of history's most tormented romances — with Josephine, the empress who haunted him to the end. Two centuries after his downfall, Napoleon remains both revered and controversial in France — but above all, unavoidable. Polls have shown that many admire his vision and achievements, while others condemn his wars and authoritarian rule. Nearly all agree his legacy still shapes the nation. 'These are not just museum pieces. They're fragments of a life that changed history,' said Louis-Xavier Joseph, Sotheby's head of European furniture, who helped assemble the trove. 'You can literally hold a piece of Napoleon's world in your hand.' The auction — aiming to make in excess of 7 million euros ($7.5 million) — is a biography in objects. The centerpiece is Napoleon's iconic bicorne hat, the black felt chapeau he wore in battle — with wings parallel to his shoulders — so soldiers and enemies could spot him instantly through the gunpowder haze. 'Put a bicorne on a table, and people think of Napoleon immediately,' Joseph said. 'It's like the laurel crown of Julius Caesar.' The hat is estimated to sell for at least over half a million dollars. For all the pageantry — throne, swords, the Grand Eagle of the Legion of Honor — the auction's true power comes from its intimacy. It includes the handwritten codicil of Napoleon's final will, composed in paranoia and illness on Saint Helena. There is the heartbreakingly personal: the red portfolio that once contained his divorce decree from Josephine, the religious marriage certificate that formalized their love and a dressing table designed for the empress. Her famed mirror reflects the ambition and tragedy of their alliance. 'Napoleon was a great lover; his letters that he wrote are full of fervor, of love, of passion,' Joseph said. 'It was also a man who paid attention to his image. Maybe one of the first to be so careful of his image, both public and private.' The auction's timing is cinematic. The 2023 biopic grossed over $220 million worldwide and reanimated Napoleon's myth for a TikTok generation hungry for stories of ambition, downfall and doomed romance. The auction preview is open to the public, running through June 24, with the auction set for June 25. Not far from the Arc de Triomphe monument dedicated to the general's victories, Djamal Oussedik, 22, shrugged: 'Everyone grows up with Napoleon, for better or worse. Some people admire him, others blame him for everything. But to see his hat and his bed, you remember he was a real man, not just a legend.' 'You can't escape him, even if you wanted to. He's part of being French," said teacher Laure Mallet, 51. The exhibition is a spectacle crafted by celebrity designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, famed for dressing Lady Gaga and Pope John Paul II. 'I wanted to electrify history,' Castelbajac said. 'This isn't a mausoleum, it's a pop culture installation. Today's collectors buy a Napoleon artifact the way they'd buy a guitar from Jimi Hendrix. They want a cabinet of curiosities.' He's filled the show with fog, hypnotic music and immersive rooms. One is inspired by the camouflage colors of Fontainebleau. Another is anchored by Napoleon's legendary folding bed. 'I create the fog in the entrance of the Sotheby's building because the elements of nature were an accomplice to Napoleon's strategy,' the designer said. Castelbajac, who said his ancestor fought in Napoleon's Russian campaign, brought a personal touch. 'I covered the emperor's bed in original canvas. You can feel he was just alone, facing all he had built. There's a ghostly presence." He even created something Napoleon only dreamed of. 'Napoleon always wanted a green flag instead of the blue, white, red tricolore of the revolution," he said, smiling. "He never got one. So I made it for Sotheby's.'
