On the recent arrest of her husband (who was at the time the governor of Berlin), the Princess Hatzfeld, in a panic and eight-months pregnant, burst into the Emperor's office (but not without the collusion of Duroc, Ségur and Rapp). Throwing herself at Napoleon's feet, she protested that her husband was not guilty. The Emperor showed her a letter proving the governor's guilt, and the young woman recognised the handwriting. But moved by her tears, Napoleon asked her to burn the letter so that he could no longer pursue her husband.
Sold for 10,500 FrF at the Drouot Auction House, Paris, on 19 November, 1997.
Napoleon showing mercy to Madame de Hatzfeld
Artist(s) : LAFITTE Louis
