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Lot #162
Josephine Bonaparte

Napoleon’s ex-wife approves significant expenses for her house, including her bodyguard

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Description

Napoleon’s ex-wife approves significant expenses for her house, including her bodyguard

Empress of France, born Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de La Pagerie (1763–1814), who married Napoleon in 1796 and was divorced in 1810, unable to produce an heir. Handwritten endorsement, in French, signed “Josephine,” at the bottom of a one page manuscript document from the head of her household Count Casimir Guyon de Montlivault, one page, 7.25 x 9, November 1, 1813. A close friend of Napoleon's and Josephine's, Montlivault was in part responsible for Josephine's enormous debts, despite the three million francs settled on her by the Emperor. His statement reads, in part (translated): “Presented and approved by Her Majesty…Labor costs for the restoration of the stables…the chimneys in the linen room…the floor of the Corps de garde [Josephine’s bodyguard]…repairing of water pipes…total of 924 francs and 95 centimes.” At the bottom, Josephine writes: “Approval to pay from the large reserve the sum of nine hundred twenty-four francs and 95 centimes. At Malmaison this November 1, 1813.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds and a couple of light creases. RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
  • Dates: #426 - Ended April 16, 2014