Vintage, Rare, Stunning, and Discontinued
Authentic Hermes 100% Silk Scarf
Designed by Philippe Ledoux in dedication
to "Napoleon" and his reign
Size: 35" x 35"
Details
-Vintage Hermes "Napoleon" Silk Jacquard Twill Scarf
-Designed and signed by Philippe Ledoux who was thought to be the most beloved of all the Hermes' designers and the master of detail and story depiction.
-The scarf has the pattern of the "bee," which was the symbol of immortality and resurrection, along with the "eagle" chosen by Napoleon as emblems of the Empire.
-Featuring five vignettes depicting the French Emperor in his reign, Ledoux pays homage to Napoleon
-The first edition of which appeared in 1963 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 chasseurs 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 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 (David); top-right, the presentation of honorary sabres at Marengo (Gros); bottom-left, Napoleon injured at Ratisbon (Gautherot); bottom-right, the Battle of Wagram (Horace Vernet).
-At the centre is a depiction of the arrival at the coronation ceremony in Notre-Dame on 2 December, 1804 (taken from an engraving in the Livre de Sacre). Plotting a course halfway between glorification and legend, the Napoleon scarf is the perfect embodiment of Hermès' exploration and exploitation of the imperial iconographic canon.
Condition: Pristine vintage condition with no significant signs of use, flaws, or discoloration. Only minor flaw are two spots I noticed when photographing. I am confident they will come out, but please look closely at the photographs incase they do not. They are very small and not very noticeable.