Lot 474: 6 Napoleon Related Miniature Portraits plus 1 Medal

Six Napoleon related miniature watercolor portraits plus 1 medal. Portraits include 1 round patch or trinket box with lid painted to depict a young Napoleon Bonaparte in military uniform; 1 oval portrait of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in ebonized rectangular frame with 1 accompanying small brass easel; a companion pair of 2 oval portraits on paper of Emperor Napoleon and Empress Josephine in gilt metal frames, each signed “Varlet”; and a companion pair of 2 round portraits of Emperor Napoleon and Empress Josephine in gilt metal frames, each illegibly signed. Portrait sizes, framed, range from 2 in x 2 1/2 in to 7 x 5 1/2 in. Box likely early 19th century, other portraits late 19th to early 20th century. Also included is a mid 19th century French St. Helena Medallion on red and green ribbon, 1 1/2 in x 1 in.  (Emperor Napoleon III established the St. Helena medal in 1857 to honor veterans of military campaigns led by Emperor Napoleon I). Note: the small round box is accompanied by a 1999 sales receipt from Moss Antiques of New Orleans with price of $1,200, dating the box to 1810.  

PROVENANCE: Estate of Judge John Nixon, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Glass cracked and partially missing on the Napoleon portrait signed Varlet, and there are two tiny spots to the right edge of the paper.  Round box shows age cracking and wear. Other items very good condition.