This clock of chimney represents an ancient or mythological
scene. Two warriors relate to their back the dial on which is perched an
eagle. The warriors are vêtus of a loincloth, their weapons are posed with
their feet. On the circumference of the dial one finds the symbols of
several constellations. On each side of the dial, one can see two fantastic
animals: a head of wolf ending in a tail. Stranger is this empty armour
driven on a beam whose helmet is muzzled (click on the armour to see an
enlarging).
A GIFT OF THE EMPEROR
The
17/02/1806, France and Bade sign a treaty of alliance. To reinforce the
links between the two countries, the crown prince Charles de Bade must marry
a princess Frenchwoman. Napoleon adopts a niece of Joséphine, Stéphanie de
Beauharnais, on March 3. On April 7, Stéphanie Bonaparte marries Charles de
Bade.
With this occasion, Napoleon offers to Cambaceres a vase of Sevres
representing on a side the signature of the marriage contract with Napoleon,
Joséphine, Cambaceres and the two husbands; and other the following
dedication: “Given by the EMPEROR at the time of the marriage of princess
STEPHANIE NAPOLEON with the prince of BADEN to S.A.S. prince CAMBACERES
archchancellor of the Empire.”
Detail of the marriage
The dedicacation
A FURNITURE MADE BY RIESENER
This
furniture estampillée Riesener was delivered to the furniture depository of
the Crown in December 1776 to furnish the apartment with the controller
general of Taboureau Finances of Réaux (it carries the number of
inventory 2885). In 1793, it reinstates the national furniture
depository which assigns it a few years later to the furniture of the
Executive Directory.
After Brumaire, this furniture is lent to Cambaceres
to furnish the Elbeuf hotel. In 1808, Napoleon offers to Cambaceres the
furniture of the Elbeuf hotel ; the furniture one is found with the Mole hotel then with the hotel of Bragelonne. After the death of Cambaceres, one
loses his trace to find it among the collections of a German count. On
December 16,2002, the furniture one is sold in Drouot for 750 000 €.