Embroidered panel

Silver gilt wire and velvet

1805 circa

71cm diameter

A round of crimson velvet decorated with the Imperial Eagle and Crown surrounded by laurel branches, with an outer ring of stylised acanthus leaves.

This velvet panel is from the back of a throne, with the design being early Empire and in Italian rather than French style. The scholars that have seen this panel believe that it is highly likely that it was on the throne used for Napoleon’s coronation as King of Italy in May 1805. Two thrones were used at the Milan ceremony, a smaller one and the 'Grand' throne which Napoleon used after he had been crowned King. It is believe that this comes from the grand throne due to its dimensions.

Napoleon had five ‘official’ thrones, four in France and one in Italy. Those in France were at the Tuileries and St Cloud palaces; one at the Corp Legislative, one at the Senate and one in the Palais de Luxembourg. The Italian throne was in his palace in Milan, the Palazzo Reale. The four French thrones are well documented and are today in state collections in France. The Milan throne has been lost.