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Auction: 314 - Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1114

[Napoleon]: Francesco Antonmarchi Corsican physician; tended to Napoleon during the former Emperor´s final illness in exile on St. Helena and performed his autopsy; created the death mask that became a source of controversy. Outstanding content Autograph Document Signed "F. Antonmarchi," in French, 1 page, 12mo, no place, September 1834. The physician´s receipt for 500 francs received from a Mr. Calamatta as partial payment of the proceeds for the sale of "Engravings of the Emperor Napoleon´s mask..." Age-toned, mounting strip on verso, otherwise VG/F. It is unclear which of the many copies that exist were made from Antonmarchi´s original mask and which are forgeries; some insist that the original mold was destroyed by the doctor to prevent the creation of unflattering images of the Emperor. The present document, written over a decade after Napoleon´s death, suggests that the doctor reconciled himself to the world´s fascination with the late conqueror - and to the profit he could make from it!

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