- The only one of its kind, this stunning sculpture recreates the tomb of Napoleon
- The fantastical rendering is crafted entirely of nephrite in a dazzling display of workmanship
- The lid of the opulent tomb lifts to reveal a tiny Napoleon figure, complete with bicorne hat
- Entirely unique, this rare objet d’art is a majestic ode to this legendary leader
- Skillfully crafted of carved nephrite, this one-of-a-kind sculpture is a fantastical recreation of the tomb of Napoléon on St. Helena, the island of the Emperor’s final exile and eventual death. Almost certainly made in the first years following the legendary leader’s death, the work lends Napoléon’s tomb a grandeur and opulence it never achieved in life; the original tomb in St. Helena’s Sane Valley was a simple, unadorned plot beneath a willow. The present piece, however, is crafted with a complexity and majesty befitting the French leader. Fascinating in subject and design, this objet d’art is an intricate and dazzling display of nephrite workmanship.
An island 1,162 miles from the west coast of Africa, St. Helena was chosen as the place of Napoléon’s final exile precisely for its isolation; the British feared a repeat of Elba, when Napoleon escaped exile after just 11 months. Due to its remoteness, few Frenchmen were able to visit the tomb of their former Emperor, and only a handful of sketches of his resting place beneath a willow tree were brought back to France.
In the present piece, the artist carves from a stunning specimen of nephrite his vision of Napoléon’s final resting place. Here, Napoléon’s tomb is bedecked in the adornments of the Empire style, with a French Imperial eagle at each corner. The top of the tomb can be removed, revealing a tiny Napoléon figurine carved from nephrite, complete with his distinctive bicorne hat, resting inside. The tomb rests beneath the flowing limbs of a St. Helena willow tree, which is the one true-to-life element of this stunning and imaginative rendering.
Napoléon’s exile to St. Helena in 1815 brought an end to the Napoleonic Wars that had dominated the preceding years. After his death in 1821, his body would spend another 19 years on the island in an unnamed tomb surrounded by a simple railing. Among the visitors to Napoléon’s grave was the English naturalist Charles Darwin. With regards to the gravesite, he wrote: “…a tomb situated close by cottages and a frequented road does not create feelings in unison with the imagined resting place of so great a spirit… if Napoléon’s ghost haunts his dreary place of confinement, this would be a most excellent night for such wandering Spirits.”
Like Darwin, the craftsman of this extraordinary piece must have balked at the simplified resting place of the once-great leader. Yet, Napoléon would eventually find a more suitable burial place – in 1840, following a request from the King Louis-Philippe, Napoléon’s remains were returned to Paris, where they were entombed in the Dôme des Invalides.
Circa 1830
19 1/4″ high x 15 1/2″ wide x 9″ deep
Nephrite Napoleonic Tomb Sculpture
$44,500.00
Shipping & Delivery
Introduction
Welcome to 1stdibstore.com. We are committed to ensuring that your shopping experience with us is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. This Shipping & Delivery page outlines the terms and conditions regarding the shipment and delivery of our exquisite diamond jewelry. By placing an order with us, you agree to the terms detailed below.
Shipping Policy
Processing Time
All orders are processed within 1-2 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. If we experience a high volume of orders, shipments may be delayed. Should there be a significant delay in the shipment of your order, we will contact you via email or phone.
Shipping Rates & Delivery Estimates
Shipping charges for your order will be calculated and displayed at checkout. We offer various shipping options to meet your needs:
- Standard Shipping (5-7 business days): $10.00
- Expedited Shipping (2-3 business days): $20.00
- Overnight Shipping (1 business day): $35.00
Please note that delivery delays can occasionally occur.
International Shipping
We are pleased to offer international shipping to select countries. Shipping charges and delivery estimates will be calculated and displayed at checkout.
Customs, Duties, and Taxes: 1stdibstore.com is not responsible for any customs and taxes applied to your order. All fees imposed during or after shipping are the responsibility of the customer (tariffs, taxes, etc.).
Shipment Confirmation & Order Tracking
You will receive a shipment confirmation email once your order has shipped, containing your tracking number(s). The tracking number will be active within 24 hours.
Damages
1stdibstore.com is not liable for any products damaged or lost during shipping. If you received your order damaged, please contact the shipment carrier to file a claim. Save all packaging materials and damaged goods before filing a claim.
Returns
Please refer to our Returns Policy for detailed information on returning your item.
Delivery Policy
Signature Requirement
Due to the high value of our products, a signature is required upon delivery. This ensures that your precious items are safely received.
P.O. Boxes
We do not ship to P.O. boxes or APO/FPO addresses. Please provide a physical address for delivery.
Delivery to Remote Areas
For deliveries to remote areas, additional delivery time may be required. We will inform you of any such delays.
Order Modifications
If you need to modify your order, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but once an order has been processed, it may not be possible to make changes.
Customer Support
For any shipping or delivery questions, please contact us:
- Email: info@1stdibstore.com
- Phone: (123) 456-7890
- Mailing Address: 123 Diamond Street, Jewelry City, JC 12345
Thank you for choosing 1stdibstore.com. We value your business and are committed to providing you with the finest diamond jewelry and exceptional service.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.