The Marquise de Bloqueville, daughter of Maréchal Davout, left this exceptional ensemble, as well as a number of other items and personal objects originally belonging to her illustrious father, to the city of Auxerre. The maréchal's large coat is made from indigo velvet with gold embroidery and oak leaf motifs whilst his wife's dress and train are of tulle and ivory silk satin, finely embroidered with gold and platinum thread, featuring flower seedling designs on the central body of the dress and plant wreathes on the borders.
Housed since the end of the 19th century in the Musée d'Eckmühl, located within Auxerre's Hôtel de Ville building (unfortunately closed to the public), these items remained on display for over one hundred years, held in a case that was utterly unsuited to the task, as can be seen from this old postcard. These four objects underwent an initial restoration in 2009 following funding from the Fondation Napoléon, and were exhibited in Austria as part of the “Napoleon. Feldherr, Kaiser und Genie” exhibition. A second phase of restoration, carried out by the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, was completed in 2010 and ensured the preservation of these masterpieces of Napoleonic heritage. They will be on display until the end of the year as part of the “Napoleons Hochzeit” exhibition currently taking place at Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna.
Ceremonial dress outfits belonging to Maréchal Davout and his wife
- Date :
- Late 19th century
- Technique :
- Postcard
- Place held :
- Paris, Fondation Napoléon
- Photo credit :
- Fondation Napoléon