Cire Trudon's Napoleon

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) became aware of the importance 

of having his portrait shown to the French people. 

Thus, he initiated the edification of his own legend.

The many objects bearing the effigy of the Emperor 

constituted an extraordinary propaganda tool for the Napoleonic legend. 

During the Restoration, however, 

Bonapartists and their Napoleonic symbols were forced to hide.

The Emperor’s death in 1821 made him less dangerous in the eyes of Royalists 

and objects representing him once again multiplied. 

The Second Empire (1852) made the imperial legend official, with commissions of sculptures and paintings exhibited in museums and public squares.

Although the Second Empire re-established the official propaganda, 

the fall of the regime in 1870 put an end to the celebration of Napoleon for 20 years. 

Nationalist fervour rose again in the 1890s and 
since then he has not ceased to be a heroic figure.

Well aware of the richness of its history, Maison Cire Trudon asked

 the Réunion des Musées Nationaux the rights to reproduce in wax 
some jewels from its Molding Workshop catalogue. 
Cire Trudon is proud to introduce the busts of characters in French History, 
a precious theme for the company that was the official Royal Wax Manufacturer.

S.C.