Paperweight of stone used at the Invalides

Paperweight of stone used at the Invalides

Carved ivory profile bust of Napoleon I, in low relief. Faces left, wears military uniform with epaulette. Mounted as a paperweight on a regular red and gray variegated marble plinth. Typed note taped to bottom: "Napoleon's remains were brought from St. Helena to Paris in 1840, and his tomb at the Invalides was constructed in the period 1843-1861. My grandmother, Mary Middleton, went to the tomb at some time during this period and secured from a workman there this piece of Finnish marble, on which she had placed this bas relief. W.L.F." (William Logan Fox, brother of donor.)

5.375" L x 3.125" W x 1.0" H

Carved ivory, marble base

Gift of Mrs. Edward M. Cheston. Purchased in Paris in the 1840s by Mary Middleton.

Bonaparte Collection, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

1976.12.01

Mid 19th century