bronze face relief from the Colonne Vendome

Face from the Decoration of the Column of the Grande Armée
France, Early 19th Century
Bronze
H. 15 cm
This fragment depicts the left profile of a figure with a high collar and wavy hair, bearing features reminiscent of Napoleon.

The Column of the Grande Armée, commonly known as the Vendôme Column, was erected between 1806 and 1810by order of Napoleon to commemorate the 1805 military campaigns, which culminated in the victory at Austerlitz on December 2, 1805. Inspired by Rome’s Trajan Column, it was covered in bronze bas-reliefs crafted from 1,200 cannons seized from the enemy.

The construction of the column involved numerous artists and craftsmen under the supervision of architect Denis-Antoine Chaudet and sculptor Pierre-Nolasque Bergeret. Bergeret oversaw the creation of the bas-reliefs, assisted by his brother Étienne Bergeret, as well as Louis Boizot (1743-1809) and François Rude (1784-1855) for some later restorations.

After being toppled in 1871 during the Paris Commune, the column was restored during the Third Republic. This fragment originates from that period of destruction and restoration.

As a tangible witness to one of the most iconic monuments in French history, this bronze fragment is a valuable relic of Napoleonic memory and Parisian heritage. Its finely crafted relief showcases the meticulous attention given to the column’s decoration, while its fragmented state serves as a reminder of the political upheavals that affected the monument.

This piece is a historical collector’s item, embodying both the imperial glory and the turbulent history of France.