Napoleon Hat Sells for $2.1 Million in Paris Auction Ahead Of Latest Biopic
The leader’s hat was recently sold at the Osenat auction house in Fontainebleau, establishing a new record for this distinctive headpiece
Napoleon Hat Sells for $2.1 Million in Paris Auction Ahead Of Latest Biopic
Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France and exceptional military strategist and tactician, remains a decisive symbol of brilliance and the dangers of unchecked power. With namesake’s historical impact, including the Napoleonic Laws, Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), and Napoleon Syndrome, he is a man with a complex legacy.
What is the Napoleon movie about?
In the midst of the slew of biopics hitting the screen, director Ridley Scott, the mastermind behind Blade Runner (1982), Gladiator (2000), The Martian (2015) and House of Gucci (2021), took on this behemoth history. The upcoming release will tell the story of Napoleon’s ascent to power and his rapid journey to Emperorship through the lens of his bond with his wife and true love, Empress Josephine.
Starring Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon against the Crown’s Vanessa Kirby as Josephine, through their love story and time apart, the film covers the saga of six monumental battles.
Napoleon Hat Sells for AED7.77 Million
Beyond his imperial reign, Napoleon’s legacy extends to his iconic military attire, forever etched in history. The indomitable leader was synonymous with his distinguished uniform, a symbol of authority and strategic prowess. Therefore, the recent sale of his hats at an auction marks the sale of a piece of European history. Napoleon wore his hat sideways, which gave him a distinct silhouette easily recognised by his troops in battle.
The sale of Napoleon’s two-cornered military dress hat fetched an impressive €1.932 million, or $2.1 Million (Dhs 7.77 million), at the Osenat auction house in Fontainebleau, establishing a new record for this distinctive headpiece. The legendary French emperor possessed approximately 120 versions of the bicorn hat; however, only around 12 remain today, with most displayed at museums. The hat is said to have been worn during Napoleon’s reign from 1808 to 1815.
This auction was also record breaking, as the sale surpassed the previous auction record of €1.884 million (Dhs 7.58 Million) in 2014.
Where to watch Napoleon in the UAE and KSA?
The international release of the movie was on November 15, 2023, with the film hitting cinemas in the UAE on November 23, 2023.