Napoleon I, Autograph Endorsement Signed "Np" as Emperor, and endorsed, "Returned to Count Aldini [Minister of Foreign Affairs] to draft a reply. Trianon, 28 August 1811," one page, 16 x 10¼ inches, Venice, Aug. 16, 1811. The letter is ornately addressed to Napoleon as "Sacred Imperial and Royal Majesty." Signed by four Venetial dignitaries, including Papadopoli. The merchants express their profuse thanks and profound gratitude to Napoleon for having made "loyal Venice" a Free Port and have had a statue erected to him.
The day before, on Napoleon's birthday, the eight-foot marble statue of him by Domenica Banti was unveiled in St. Mark's Square. It depicts Napoleon as Caesar, holding a globe in his left hand. It stood in St. Mark's Square from 1811 until 1814. The statue is still the subject of much controversy. It was sold in 2002 at Sotheby's, New York, and donated to Venice's Correr Museum on St. Mark's Square. Many Venetians sought to prevent its return and in 2003 staged a war-crimes trial of Napoleon in the museum. Napoleon is reproached for having abolished the Venetian Republic and looting its artistic and historical patrimony. His defenders allege that he replaced the ideas of an outworn regime with egalitarian, revolutionary ideals.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500
Royalty & Foreign Leaders
